By Thompson Essien

Confirmed: Umana Okon Umana, the Secretary to the Government of Akwa Ibom State, has been removed from office by Godswill Akpabio. Sources say the decision by Akpabio came after a heated argument between him and Umana over Umana’s audacity to declare his intention to contest for the governorship of the State.

As of this writing, the where about of Umana is unknown. More details to follow.

Reliable sources have confirmed that Umana Okon Umana, the embattled Secretary to the Government of Akwa Ibom State, just suffered from a heart attack at his house in Uyo. A source has also confirmed that the SSS personnel that are guarding him are working feverishly to resuscitate him.

As of this writing, Umana’s personal physicians are undergoing the usual procedures in preparation to fly him abroad for medical treatment.

Asked if the heart attack could have been induced by poisoning, one of the sources close to the incident confirmed that it is a natural case of heart attack. He also added that Umana’s physicians are worried that if he does not receive an immediate proper medical treatment, if another heart attack occurs, which may happen at any moment, he may not survive. It is not clear if Umana has suffered any paralysis as a result of the heart attack.

An an impeccable source close to the Akwa Ibom Government house confirms that Governor Godswill Akpabio has been contacted about the incident and he is cooperating to make sure that Umana receives immediate medical attention and treatment. Another source said Akpabio is also worried that if Umana dies, he (Akpabio) might be blamed.

More information will be forwarded when available.

By Thompson Essien

By Clayton Udoh

In the past few weeks we discovered that some of us are totally devoid of the ability to reason rationally as far as progressive mental forays are concerned.

It is not their fault, they just lack what it takes to think properly.

Hence we heard nonsense that echoed in the forums like “The Essential Umana Okon Umana” or “The Password UOU2015″.We shook our head in disbelief at the cost of hunger in the Akwa Abasi Ibom Community, both at home and in Diaspora. It reduces men to animals that attempt to speak like humans. People calling viruses passwords and getting angry when shown the invalidity of their statements.

People started the race before the gun was even shot. Nature in her infinite wisdom ensured that those with such madness ran completely out of the stadium into the streets.

Nonetheless ,we are grateful for these people to bring themselves forward as the players in a proverb that will be thrown for years to come. Yes we are grateful to the following for showing us what can happen when sycophancy tinged with a generous dash of buffoonery becomes a man’s moral compass.

Jimaimah Essien,.,Cletus Ukpong, Henry “Facebook ” Akpabio, Etim “Low rational ” Etim ,Esther “Hunger” Okono,Professor Lawrence “Hate Taxidriver” Etim, Ekong “Emotional” Essien, Iboro “Ranting” Orangutang,Kenneth “Security” Jimmy ,Marshall “Loyalty” Anako, Moses “Morally Bankrupt” Edem,White “Bad English” Bom Bom and the list goes on and on.

Please we must acknowledge the importance of these guys in the society ,for they prove the First Law Of Human Stupidity (Carlo M. Cipolla; Professor Emeritus of Berkeley)that states clearly;

“People we had thought to be rational and intelligent suddenly turn out to be unquestionably stupid”.

This is not an insult but a true study into why people support trends that are unquestionably asinine in nature to the society and indirectly to themselves.

Saw the Classroom venue meeting for “Facebook Friends of the Virus” and wondered why that horrific classroom was not part of the “Uncommon Transformation”. Watched how they were campaigning for someone whose thought process made the classroom to be as wretched as the pics we saw in the forums. Someone who was involved with several failed administrations and was an Inherent part of the problems we have in Akwa Abasi Ibom State (blatant corruption like building a micro-finance bank while in office). A person whose supporters would sing his praises without one single achievement of the individual in question singled out.

The problem was simply that he was a civil service God Father that had nine lives and like the political nabob that he was, had a knack for the dark art of survival in a place that careers are cut short at any moment.

Some people even bought the God element into why he is chosen to become the Governor of the state and were so inflamed about their source of Garri that they were inherently violent. People were infected with this virus.A virus that was truly beyond accountability towards the people and a despot in the making. His greed and mechanizations in silence that encouraged the first traces of abusive executive power was overwhelming and damning in nature.

It takes a lot of knowledge to understand that a trend can be a passing fad. Telling people sorry for dead loved ones then turning around to praise the murderers or going after people’s families and wives and in-laws to show Marshall Anako’s version of “Loyalty” is as asinine and archaic and Neanderthal as one gets. We began to see the loyalty game being played without consideration for a sector of the people of Akwa Abasi Ibom State that deserve the chance to produce a Gubernatorial candidate(ESD). Greed without limit.Which brings us to the Third Law of Stupidity which states clearly that ;

“A stupid person is someone who causes damage to another person, or a group of people, without any advantage accruing to himself (or herself) — or even with some resultant self-damage.

The group we saw in the forums were not interested in the good of Akwa Abasi Ibom State and were rather interested in the good of their stomachs. Disunity was their byword. Taunting people in Diaspora as unworthy of participation in the political discourse of their Fatherland because of the fact that they lived outside Nigeria. Soon we saw the beginnings of the discrimination and dehaumanization of a Senatorial district just for the sake of the justification of the UOU virus.

Special Thanks to Ukpong Ekam, Michael “Ankejem” Ekpo,Tony Udomkpa and all other Enlightened Ones that called for a standby in the background, while the system took care of the mess that was about to happen to the state by the action of hungry individuals pushing an agenda that was as dark as it gets.

Clayton “Bane” Udoh Mesa, Arizona

It is no longer news that Mr Umanah Okon Umanah has been disgraced out of office as the Secretary to the Government of Akwa Ibom State in a manner yet to be seen in any part of the world.Suffice it to state here that the powers-that-be in Abuja have rejected his controversial and contentious nomination for the position of the MD of the NDDC which was packaged for him as a soft-landing and face-saving measure.A classic case of a schemer being schemed out of the scheme of things.

The fact that he misused his very powerful office to wage mindless and unrelenting attacks on the party constitution and its zoning and rotation principle cannot be contested.The fact that he was the big masquerade behind the well-orchestrated attempts to rubbish,discredit,undermine and supplant the time-tested and honoured zoning and rotation policy of the party is a common knowledge.His blind and ill-timed ambition to become the next governor of the state come 2015 really drove him mad and he got so desperate that he would not spare anything and indeed anybody perceived as not being favourably dispossed to his ambition.

His blind ambition led him into hunting,maiming and crippling so many people politically and economically.In fact it was a capital offence to even be perceived as nursing a governorship ambition or opposing his ambition.He saw the then chairman of the NDDC,AMB.Sam Edem,as a threat both his domination of Nsit Ubium politics and future political ambition and he carefully and covertly plotted his fall.What about Senator Effiong Bob?.He also saw him as a threat to his indisputable domination of the politics of Nsit Ubium and his dream to become governor in 2015 and he mobilized against the re-election of the senator in the 2011 election,using the zoning and rotation policy of the party.It is thus an irony of history that it was the same zoning and rotation principle that he waged serious battle to undermine and supplant just to pave way for his evil ambition.

Was it not the same Umanah that plotted,instigate and fuelled the rift between governor Akpabio and senator John Udoedehe because he wanted to get rid of every Ibibio or Uyo senatorial person that could rival him in the government,so that he would be the only cock to crow as far as Ibibio or Uyo senatorial district are concerned?.Who caused Akpabio to fall out with Obong Attah?.Umanah.

Who plotted the removal of Prince Uwem Ita Etuk as the state chairman of the PDD?.Umanah Okon Umanah.He saw the principled stand of the former state chairman of the party on the zoning and rotation policy of the party as a serious threat to his evil ambition,hence,he had to be demolished.

What about Bishop Samuel Akpan?.The same Umanah made sure he was demolished because he was not comfortable with his rising profile,popularity and towering influence.He was afraid if the Bishop was allowed to progress the way he was going,his ambition would be punctured and he would not be the only cock to crow in the Ibibio and Uyo senatorial district politics.

Who instigated the failed impeachment plot that caused the former deputy governor,Obong Nsima Ekere,to resign?.Umanah Okon Umanah.He saw the former deputy governor as serious threat to his plot to contest and win the 2015 governorship election.

Have we forgotten Otuekong Emmanuel Ibiok and how the same Umanah Umanah ensured his demolition simply because he saw the young man as a threat to his domination of Nsit Ubium politics and his inordinate ambition to be governor in 2015?.

Who plotted the nomination of Amb.Assam Assam an ambassador just to get him out of the country so that the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria may not constitute a threat to his 2015 ambition.

As SSG,his fear was the beginning of wisdom to many politicians.His sychophants had promoted him to the level and status of a demi-god that must be feared and worshiped and he was indeed feared and worshiped by many that stood for nothing.Members of the state executive council were not spared his blackmail and intimidation antics and tactics.Commissioners that were perceived to be nursing governorship ambition or being favourably dispossed to his ambition were marked by him for demolition.They were under constant threat,blackmail and intimidation by him.

He bulldozed everybody and everywhere.The party leaders were not spared his antics.It was either you endorsed him or you risked removal from your office.We cannot forget the jamboree called meeting of Uyo senatorial district PDP where he induced and intimidated them to purportedly pass a resolution that Uyo senatorial district shall contest the 2015 governorship election.

The list of victims of his blind ambition is endless.Those that we know and those that we don’t know.

But in the final analysis,what happened?.The hunter became the hunted.The untouchable was not only touched,but hounded,rubbished,disgraced and chased out of office.A master of wicked intrigues was beaten to his own game and today he cannot venture near the same government house again and his sychophants had long deserted him to his fate.He has been trapped by same trap he set for others.

He dedicated all his time and resources to fighting,hunting and crippling people so that he could be governor in 2015 but today,he has gone down in history as the most hated,unpopular, mischievous,disgraced and politician ever in Nigeria and his inordinate ambition to govern the state in 2015 has died a natural dead and can never be resurrected.He is down and out.His ambition is stillborn

Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Umana Okon Umana, has disclosed his intention to contest the state’s governorship position in 2015.

He said this during a chat with newsmen in Uyo.

Reacting to alleged withdrawal from the race due to his nomination by the state government for the position of Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission,NDDC, he said it had become imperative for him to make the declaration.

Umana said he was determined to become the Governor to fulfill the wishes of the greater majority of Akwa Ibom people, whom he said have been calling on him to run for the office.

“I have decided to make public my intention to run for the office of Governor of Akwa Ibom State in response to the overwhelming pressure from the good people of the three Senatorial districts of the state for me to declare my interest in the race,” he said.

“I wish to assure our people that I will run for the office of governor of Akwa Ibom State, come 2015.”

Umana said he took time to officially make a pronouncement on the matter because he had to consult widely on the issue.

“I was also mindful of the fact that I had a job to perform, which I needed to give my all. “But, as you can see, 2015 is just by the corner and I have to begin the normal consultations, while waiting for the official flag off of campaigns so my party can go into full campaigns.”

He advised the people of Akwa Ibom State to continue in their steadfast support for the Governor Godswill Akpabio administration, adding that the administration will continue to justify the enormous confidence the people have continued to repose in it.

In a related development, the Akwa Ibom Professional Forum,AIPROF, South West zone, has called on Akwa Ibom indigenes, home and abroad to support the SSG’s ambition.

AIPROF in a release signed by its president, Pastor Godspower Francis, said “we receive with great joy and relief, the acceptance by our son, Umana Umana, to hearken to the wishes of the generality of our people to vie for the office of the Governor of our state in 2015, in order to continue with the scintillating job, the incumbent Governor is doing.

“We hereby call on our people, home and abroad to rally round Umana for the continued development of the state beyond 2015.”

Right now there is wild jubilation across the state over the sacking of Umana Okon Umana, the immediate past secretary to the state government.

At major drinking joints in Uyo such maitama at Ewet housing estate, sun centre, wimpy bar and staple park, the frenzy and wild enthusiasm are the same as people who before now claimed they had no money are buying crates of beer in celebration of Umana’s ouster.

Some journalists in the local tabloid, while discussing with political analysts at brook street, say that the mood is not different in Ndiya, and the entire nsit ubium, umana’s home town. The people are celebrating that the “oppressor, tyrant and enemy of the people” is shown the way out, and that’s salvation for the people of the area, who have been a victim of Umana’s vindictiveness and poor leadership.

Another group that is apparently comfortable with the situation are the supporters of Senator Effiong Bob and Ambassador Sam Edem who see Umana’s show of shame as divine, as God has paid him back with the same coin.

All in all, the table seem to have turned against UOU following the collective prayers of the people; never has a man been so hated by his people due to his inordinate ambition and penchant for domination.

Today, history had relegated the vampire called umana into the abyss of darkness, and darkness is not a subject of history.

Edet

By Iniobong John
It is certain that come 2015 the next executive governor of Akwa Ibom State shall come from the Niger Delta of the state,Eket senatorial district.I…t is now a matter of who among the army of credible,experienced,tested and exposed politicians,professionals,business gurus and technocrats in that section of the state shall wear the crown,but definitely,one of them shall be crowned on 29th May,2015.

It is their natural and divine time and no person or group of persons can stop them.

It tantamount to greed,desperation,and daylight robbery for anybody in Uyo or Ikot Ekpene senatorial district to challenge Eket senatorial district in 2015.

As demonstrated in the pictural fact below,since 1987 when the state was created,Uyo senatorial district has produced three governors of the state and Ikot Ekpene senatorial district has produced one,the incumbent,while Eket senatorial district is yet to take a shot at the number one position in the state,despite the fact that it is the biggest of the three senatorial districts and the revenue provider and economic backbone of the state.

So much ill-gotten money has been squandered by some desperate hawks on their agents to campaign against the time-honored zoning and power-rotation system with a view to supplanting it to pave way for the realization of their inordinate ambitions but Akwa Ibom people are too enlightened for them to hoodwink with their cheap lies.

Zoning and power-rotation has come to stay in our socio-political life and there is nothing anybody can do to undermine and supplant it.

Eight out of every ten Akwa Ibomites have resolved to elect the next governor of the state from Eket senatorial district in the spirit of brotherhood,accomodation and communality among our people.

Whatever anybody may say,it is on record that the immediate past governor of the state,Obong Victor Attah,had publicly endorsed the rotation of the office of the governor of the state to Ikot Ekpene senatorial district in 2007 and that was instrumental to the emergence of the present governor of the state,Chief Godswill Akpabio.

It is also on record that the leadership of the party under Rt.Hon.Uwem Ita Etuk had in September 2009,voted unanimously to retain the governorship ticket of the party in 2011 in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district to enable them do two terms like Uyo senatorial district and zone the 2015 ticket to Eket senatorial district.

It is therefore common sense that Chief Akpabio shall hand-over to a successor from Eket senatorial district to complete the circle.

It is therefore futile and fool-hardy for any person or group of persons outside Eket senatorial district to campaign to be governor in 2015.

As inordinate,blind and unpopular such aspirations are,it is certain that they will not stand the test of time because something cannot stand on nothing

By Eze chukwuemeka Eze, 08038199163

Having written several articles on the current macabre dance and political crisis rocking Rivers State and x-raying its effects on the future political developments of Nigeria if not checked, I do not see further need to come up with another piece on this subject despite new challenges that need to be addressed. Even the poser by Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka ‘that the man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny’ could not sway me otherwise. However, while I was in this state, I opened a daily guide from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) titled ‘Open Heavens’ and was confronted with the bold title for the day titled, ‘Danger of Silence’.

The Spirit of God jolted me in a manner that seems to mean that no tangible result has come out of my past write ups on this issue, as peace still eludes the State, and the need to soldier on; especially given the nature of the new piece you are about reading and the fear of being misunderstood.

Undaunted by fears knowing full that peace in Rivers State and Nigeria is very close. Again, I took solace in one of Prof Soyinka’s quotes, “I think that feeling that if one believed absolutely in any cause, then one must have the confidence, the self-certainty, to go through with that particular course of action”.

If the above quote could not do the magic to sway me off my fears then the question of Edward Abbey that, “How could anything non-controversial be of intellectual interest to grown-ups?” and the encouragement from Marvin Harris came handy when he stated thus; “I don’t see how you can write anything of value if you don’t offend someone”

President Jonathan and the Macabre Dance of Rivers State Politics

This road is one I don’t like driving on, considering the stand of the President and his aides that he does not want to be mentioned with the current impunity and untoward political developments going on in Rivers State. George Orwell, one of the finest authors of all time, in one of his works woke me up when he said, “Within any important issue, there are always aspects no one wishes to discuss.” As if I am not been cautious enough, Criss Jami reminded me in his two quotes that, “If you have to say or do something controversial, aim so that people will hate that they love it and not love that they hate it.” And “To be truly positive in the eyes of some, you have to risk appearing negative in the eyes of others.”

Though, I am not a victim of Ezea Pound stand that, “If a man isn’t willing to take some risk for his opinions, either his opinions are no good or he’s no good” but for some strategic reasons, let me stay action on this topic to later stage of this article and instead use this opportunity to, in a way, assess present President Jonathan.

Jonathan: The Journey So Far.

The faulty start of this administration based on the disrespect of the zoning policy of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and insecurity challenges occasioned by the wicked activities of the Islamic sect, Boko Harams sect coupled with the ‘unpreparedness of Dr Goodluck Jonathan for the office he currently occupies, due to the nature of his selection to run for the office of Vice President with late President Musa Yar’Adua and how he became the nation’s number one citizen as a result of President Yar’Adua death the Doctrine of Necessity that ushered him formally as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria were some of the initial challenges that slowed down the smooth take off the administration. His initial plan before General Olusgen Obasanjo selected him to run was to re-contest gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, while late Yar’Adua desire was to retire to classroom as a lecturer.

This seemingly setbacks did not in any way constitute as an obstacle to President Jonathan unflinching desire to contribute his quota towards building a Nigeria of his dream. President Jonathan holds the transformational pledge of promising less, but delivering more. His vision is anchored on his transformation agenda anchored on driving the country on the premise of Continuity, Consistency and Commitment (3Cs). Accordingly, it was the disregard for the 3Cs that had resulted in rising unemployment, inequality and poverty. But the regime has come forth with a holistic agenda aimed at the transformation of the Nigerian state with a strategy that gives cognizance to these 3Cs in the life of the administration.

The transformation plan draws its inspiration from President Jonathan’s electoral promises, the Vision 20:2020 and the first National Implementation Plan (NIP). The agenda is based on a set of priority policies and programmes which, when implemented, would transform the Nigerian economy to greater heights.

Job Creation, Macroeconomic Framework and Economic Direction, Infrastructure Development, Public Expenditure Management, Governance, Justice and Judiciary, Foreign Policy and Economic Diplomacy, Power Labour and Productivity, Health Sector, Education are some of the sectors the government has made some remarkable impact under this adminstration.

Though space would not allow one to highlight all the achievements of the incumbent, but suffice it to say that in more ways than one both impact and vision have been remarkable. Our transportation system, particularly his commitment for reviving the rail system in Nigeria leaves no one in doubt that things are changing for the better. The establishment of new Federal Universities within two years located at Dutse, Dutsin-Ma, Kashere, Lafia (Nassarawa) Ndufu-Alike-Ikwo , Otuoke (Bayelsa), Oye-Ekiti (Ekiti State), Wukari, Gashua, Yobe State; Birnin Kebbi (Kebbi State) and Gusau in Zamfara State is unprecedented in the annals of governance in the country. In the past two years, according to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minster of the economy, Prof Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the government have built 68,100 housing scheme across the six geopolitical zones of the country and now produces 28 million metric tons of cement, but needs only 20 million. So Nigeria is now a net exporter of cement. On power, 34 independent power producers have gotten licenses, three have actually commenced works and power supply has improved in many Nigerian cities. According to her (Prof. Mrs) Sure-P, Federal government earned N180 billion in improving child delivery, trained 9,000 midwives. The Port Harcourt to Maiduguri rail line will be completed in 2013, with more to follow by the end of the year. Her Inland cargo depots now handle over four million metric tons rising from 2.9 metric tons. Our banks and stock market are now stronger. Perhaps what needs to be done now is to see how the banks can lend to individual real estate developers at lower interest rates. Power, aviation and agriculture can now import at zero import duty, exchange rate is stable (N155-160), reserves are rising, inflation has reduced, our economy is growing- Nigeria’s economy growing at 6.5%, one of the fastest in Africa.

According to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Ballot box snatching and thuggery have become almost extinct and that it is the President’s deliberate policy to listen and respects the views of Nigerians. The negative deployments of freedom of expression, which has left Nigerians bolder and more asserting, and the President the most criticized in the world, is the cost of the President’s deliberate policy of openness, “In the last two years, the civic space have been expanded, “achievements of the government promoting the rule of law, integrity of state institutions and rights of citizens are legendary and that within eight out of 14 strategic targets set by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011 have been achieved.

A Conducive atmosphere for improving and encouraging private partnership with government have made more to industries springing up and producing made in Nigeria goods, including Proforce–armored vehicles, Obajana – Cement, and Innoson – motors, creating jobs and transforming Nigeria.

Reveling in some of these feats recorded by the present federal administration, Nigeria’s Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo at a recent public function said, “Our public institution are being rebuilt, our National Assembly is vibrant, our judiciary is truly independent and our press is feared all over the world and that government has in the last two years placed a special premium on the rule of law and expanding the democratic space but most importantly that President Goodluck Jonathan has exhibited good leadership qualities.”

The Bond between President Jonathan and Governor Amaechi:

Reminiscing on the political crisis in Rivers State, I took time out to study the gladiators not minding their denials. The word bond means something that binds, fastens, confines, or holds together a cord, rope, band, or ligament, something, as an agreement or friendship that unites individuals or peoples into a group.

According to Cathrine Beecher, “The principle of subordination is the great bond of union and harmony through the universe and according to Rainer Maria Rike, “I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between two people: that each protects the solitude of the other.

A statement by America’s first lady, Mrs. Michella Obama readily comes to mind in capturing the bond between President Jonathan and Governor Amaechi. “Barack and I were raised with so many of the same values, like you work hard for what you want in life. That your word is your bond; that you do what you say you’re going to do. That you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don’t know them and even if you don’t agree with them.”

According to the facts available to me, these two great exponents of democracy from Niger Delta shares similar family background – raised in humble families and experienced the pains of being educated by poor parents. President Jonathan won the hearts of Nigerians with his expose that he was that student who trekked to school without a shoe, while Governor Amaechi had a sandal and one pair of trouser which he washes by every weekend to be uses the following week for the major part of his undergraduate days, even as the two political leader are products of the unique University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT and are among the big Port Harcourt boys.

Although President Jonathan is the older of the two, Amaechi have been in politics right from his days in the university, culminating to becoming the only Nigerian that was a Speaker of House of State House of Assemblies for eight years and have the singular credit of becoming the Chairman, Conference of Speakers in Nigeria while he was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and later Chairman of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, NGF as governor of Rivers State. President Jonathan on the other hand is the first PHD holder, (not honorary) to preside over the affairs of the country and the only Nigerian that left the academic environment where he was a Lecturer after having a stint with the defunct OMPEDEC and rose to become a Deputy Governor (Bayelsa State that was). Few years after he became the Governor of that state and few years after became Nigeria’s Vice President and President afterwards all of these without contesting a single election. While Chibuike means God is my Power and Amaechi Nobody knows tomorrow while on the other EbeleChukwu which is the name of the President means “God’s Mercy”.

While President Jonathan as the Vice President of Nigeria was suffering every humiliation in the hands of the cabals during the Umaru Yar’Adua led administration. Amaechi was the only Governor in Nigeria very visible in the office of the then Vice President and when President Yar’Adua passed on, Jonathan was been pushed around, Amaechi was among those at the forefront of ensuring that Vice President Jonathan assumed office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when the National Assembly out of their wisdom came up with the Doctrine of Necessity.

When the election of 2011 came up, Governor Amaechi not minding some other options available to him opted to rally round the supports of other Governors to ensure that President Jonathan won the PDP ticket and during the election proper, Amaechi delivered two million votes from the state to ensure that President Jonathan got elected as the 14th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Not done with all these affection to his own brother whom he shares some invisible bond not known to many Nigerians, he went ahead even while President Jonathan was the Vice President to ask him to nominate candidates to his Cabinet in Rivers State, this resulted to the nomination of Professor Israel Owate, who was the President’s classmate as the Commissioner for Education. Unfortunately, he could not drive the vision of the governor on education as fast as the governor wanted, so he was dropped. The governor requested from Mr. Vice President then a replacement. Again he nominated Mr. Moses Ahubele who manned the Ministry of Empowerment and Employment Generation till he died as a result of some health condition in the later part of 2010. After the 2011 general election, Amaechi requested from Mr. President and he graciously nominated Mr. Charles Okaye, who still serves as the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community-related Affairs.

Who could believe that a person of this status based on his impeccable relationship and respect and love he exhibited towards his own brother the President could be haunted, humiliated, scourged, frustrated and his State turned to war zone even while his brother is still the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is the irony of life. Just for the records, these are some of the humiliations Amaechi was meant to go through – The plane of the Rivers State Government was grounded for no just cause, the PDP Structure in Rivers State was removed from him, his election as the Chairman of NGF duly certified and acknowledged worldwide is in the process of annulment, he was suspended from a party he so much love and spent so much to build, if not for the providence of God he would have been illegally impeached by five Legislators in a House of 32 members; a Police Commissioner by name Mr. Joseph Mbu was posted to haunt, hoard, insult and abuse him publicly calling him a despot, Governors that came to visit him were stoned. In the eyes of Nigerians, he stands as a great man while in the eyes of those haunting him he is a personal non grate.

What could have brought this in a relationship assumed to have been perfect! Barr Achinike Godwin William-Wobodo the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Rivers State on Inter Governmental Affairs who holds an LLM in Criminal Law and Practice and currently pursuing a PhD in Money Laundering and Anti-Corruption Law came in to assist, according to him, “the induced situation is caused by third party elements, who are either driven by the hunger for power or jealousy. The seeming situation is induced principally by two classes of persons, those driven by hunger for power which represents the group in Rivers State, and those driven by envy, which houses external factors. For instance, the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, my friend and brother, is at the centre of the group opposes to Amaechi’s style of governance and bent on wrestling power from the governor. My worry is not that they seek to wrestle power from him, because that basically is politics. My quarrel is the approach: the crude, undemocratic and uncivilized manner that they are going about it. In the process, they have undermined the rule of law, breached the peace of Rivers State and are threatening a breakdown of law and order.

The second category are persons who are driven by envy and the rising profile of the governor and the only way, to them, to break the rising profile of Governor Amaechi is to pit him against the president and hiding under the cover of the Presidency. For these persons, I think and honestly too that they have proven that they are not men enough to personally handle their affairs”.

President Jonathan and the Macabre Dance of Rivers State
Having listened to some of the funny and flimsy excuses posited by the Media Chiefs of President of his not involvement in the macabre dance of Rivers State and the counter claims by the Senate Committee that investigated the crisis and many great Nigerians indicting him over this I wonder what type of people actually make up a media Team of the President that ought to be proactive in its defense of Mr. President but have succeeded to generate poor publicity and name calling on Mr. President. With due respect to the much both Dr Reuben Abati the President’s spokesperson and The Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr Doyin Okupr are doing the duo have not managed President’s media affairs well enough. Yes, Mr. President may not be involved in this sad developments in Rivers State and should not be mentioned for such ugly incidents seeing what his administration achieved in the rule of law by given the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC free hands in its affairs and how the elections in Edo, Adamawa, Sokoto, Ogun, Ekiti was done and how he duly acknowledged the winners of those elections coupled with other factors. All these great feats nosedived when he started playing games with the outcome of the last NGF Election duly won by Gov Amaechi and instead of improving on his democracy credentials he allowed himself to be used by some confused political gladiators and elements in his cabinet to play host to the Jang Faction of the Governors Forum that shamelessly lost the election. After the futile attempt by the funny five Law Makers from Rivers State to impeach the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Dan-Amachree. The purported new Speaker, Hon. Evans Bipi was seen attending a function in the State House in Abuja. Before this funny attempt Mr. President played host to most of the key actors pushing or rather instigating the RIVERS State crisis at the State House in Abuja. Weeks to the full war against the peace of Rivers State, the First Lady was in Port Harcourt interacting and dinning with most of these key actors in this dance and all and all Nigerians are told of the non-involvement of the Presidency in all these. Let us assume that is the case, why is it that after the House of Representatives that investigated the grounding of the Rivers State plane and after four months the plane is still grounded? Why is it that after all the calls by both the National Assembly and other concerned Nigerians that the Police Commissioner of Rivers State, Mr. Jospeh Mbu is still in Port Harcourt executing his sad project in the State? Why is it that up till now only the Majority Leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Chief Chidi Llyods is being investigated and kept under detention for the past ten days while those who instigated the crisis in the House are going about their businesses. Is this not the issue of the owl crying in the night and the child dying in the morning? Let us bring decorum and equity to prevail on this issue and stop playing politics with the lives and peace of Rivers State.

The Real Enemies of President Jonathan

Without fear of being misunderstood the true enemies of Mr. President in his political calculations in Nigeria are not Governor Amaechi and his followers, but those who by their actions have brought the name and image of Mr. President to shame and embarrassment going by their flagrant display of impunity in the political crisis in Rivers State.

Those who have by their utterances been overheating the polity ahead of the 2015 general elections attacking any Nigerian or section that have contrary views; those who are attempting to reduce Mr. President’s status from a National Leader to ethnic one (Ijaw nation), in a manner of speaking.

Those Ministers and agencies of government promoting corruption, highhandedness and antagonising Nigerians with perceived alternative views on governance are the enemies of Mr. President. Those promoting the infamy in Rivers State and looking at Nigeria and Nigerians as a conquered people and without knowing have indirectly by their misguided acts succeeded in ridiculing Mr. President and not those who are offering him constructive suggestions on how to be the best President ever from Nigeria. These are the true enemies of President Jonathan who wants to destroy him and make him a total failure before the eyes of Nigerians and the entire world. Those charlatans in the corridor of power that have reduced a great party like PDP to its present sorrow state of not being so sure of its future. According to Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State these charlatans in government should be flush out from the system if Mr. President intends to salvage anything out of his administration. These ingrates and confused minds should be invited in a room to be educated on how to govern a country like Nigeria than the mess they have made out of it a system that ought to have being a golden regime and sadly have through their inimical acts brought this administration to public odium.

Other agents hell-bent of destroying all the legacies of President Jonathan are those who mobilised youths that stoned the visiting Governors that came to pay solidarity visit to Governor Amaechi over his unwise, wicked and malicious humiliations without minding the results of their action both to the image of the President and peaceful co-existence of Nigeria as a corporate unity. In his reaction to the sad development, Hon. Dakuku Peterside a member of the Federal House of Representatives said, “I can describe it as barbaric, primitive and most unfortunate. It portends danger for our democracy and the continued unity of Nigeria. Some people hired thugs and ex-militants with the protection of the commissioner of police, to go and embarrass governors at the airport. That is most unfortunate and barbaric. You expect these people to visit Kano, Jigawa and other states where these governors who were embarrassed come from? Danger is staring us in the face. The other day, ex-militants took over the streets of Port Harcourt and the police did not do anything about it. They went and recruited them and took them to the Rivers State House of Assembly to use five lawmakers to sack 27. Yet, there was nothing wrong with it”

Thank God as it seems that both the PDP National Chairman, Alh. Bamanga Tukur and our revered leader and One-time Minister for Information and respected Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark have come to the realization that they utterances recently have not be of any help to the future of President Jonathan political calculation by apologizing of their attacks on Gov Sule Lamido and the progressive Governors in PDP for visiting the embattled Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi. According to Chief Clark, “I apologize to all Nigerians if my utterance or my action threatened the peace and unity of this country that all politicians, leaders should emphasize only those things that keep this country together. We cannot split; Nigeria is a large country. Love is one of the greatest things that bind us together and Nigerians should learn to love one another and work assiduously for the unity of the country.”

2015: Challenges before President Jonathan

A major challenge facing the current federal administration and which clearly will define the rest of its tenure if not checked with the urgency it deserves is the issue of corruption.

Though one of the major sins of Amaechi is his stance on protection and accountability of the state’s resources (the sovereign wealth of our nation) and confirmation of the fears of the governor, NEITI in a report had indicted the federal government agencies for the disparities in payments in the oil sector. It says, inter alia, that N175b is still not found in the Federation acct.

Recently, TI released the 2013 Global Corruption Barometer, GCB and rated Nigeria as the eightieth most corrupt nation in the entire world under this administration and that our political parties and the Nigeria Police as the most corrupt institutions in Nigeria. TI’s 2013 GCB is a product of interviews with a total number of 114,000 respondents across 107 countries between September 2012 and March 2013. The Berlin-based organization said the primary aim of the 2013 GCB report was to explore respondents’ personal experiences of paying bribes for government services on one hand and on the other, to gauge perception of the integrity of major public institutions. There is also TI’s desire towards a better understanding of the willingness and disposition of citizens in countries under review to fight corruption. The level of corruption under this administration is not to be condoned if we are to survive as a nation.

2. The East-West Federal Road and the Second Niger Bridge

If these two major projects at the heart of the South-South and South East are not completed before 2015, its potential of posing a serious setback need not be over-emphasized.

3. The APC and Northern Elements Challenge

With the registration of APC by INEC, its threat come 2015 is not only real but has the capacity to stop PDP come 2015 coupled with the seriousness some Northern elements are attaching to the 2015 polls. Those that need to know about this have already confirmed it including both the BOT Chairman and National Chairman of PDP. What strategy to adopt to curtail this moving force should be of concern to any serious strategist in the camp of Jonathan instead of wasting energy to pull down a force that should be of help in whatever calculation they are advancing? Instead of the egg heads in Jonathan’s Camp strategizing and strengthening their base, they think by fighting some elements is the best strategy to sell Jonathan to other regions after all these obvious threat! Funny people!

Suggested Strategies on the Way Forward

A lot of time has been wasted pursuing shadows instead of addressing governance and rendering dividends of democracy to the people of Nigeria which will determine the fate of the party come 2015. Not minding obvious shortcomings, President Jonathan must be commended for the efforts to reach the true characters that will help his issue come 2015 recently instead of the charlatans that have constituted themselves as nuisance in this regard. Learnt that he is also billed to summon a peace meeting to be attended by critical stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to forge a consensus on how to resolve the crises and with the meeting with President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Amaechi, Dist senator Abubakar Saraki and the five progressive Governors of Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Alhaji Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Alhaji Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) — who have been shuttling around Nigeria, consulting eminent personalities on how to resolve the multi-faceted crises in the country is a step in the right direction.

Commendation must go to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) who brokered the meeting between the president and Amaechi. It was learnt that Dasuki initiated the process of fence mending between the duo to douse the political crisis in Rivers State that has been threatening the security and stability of the country. Dasuki, in his capacity as the NSA, was said to have taken the initiative to invite Amaechi to a meeting with the president, certain that the Rivers State crisis amongst other security challenges, could do a lot of harm to the nation’s fragile democracy. Presidency sources said the NSA had been toying with the idea since eight opposition governors met with Amaechi in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, about two weeks ago to plead with him to meet with Jonathan and formally brief him on the situation in his state.

I will suggest in furtherance to this, that President Jonathan needs to listen to his brother, Prince Tonye Princewill the Amanyanabo of Kalabari scion on the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. I am aware of the efforts he has made to bring both President Jonathan and Atiku Abubakar to work together but the continued playing down on the issue of Atiku Abubakar by the charlatans in governance may be calamitous if not handled wisely. No matter what ever those surrounding the President that cannot even win their wards election are saying, Atiku Abubakar stands out as a man of vision who has a blue print to take this our country out of its present sorrow state. The President should for the greatness of this nation get to this man who is ready to give him clues on how to handle most of the challenges facing his administration but if he like he can continue with those who are after their belly and lack ideas on how to handle critical issues facing the country.

As Mr. President starts his consultations, he should endeavour to get in touch with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Shehu Shagari, General Gowon, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and the CAN President Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and plead with them to be sincere with him on his vision and plans for this country. The time of playing dummy is no longer an issue.

Lastly on this section, Mr. President needs to organize a strategically seminar with his Media Chiefs and re-orientate their shallow ideas of what it takes to manage such a magnanimous office they are occupying but sadly seem lost on how to manage it. As they attempt to emulate Alh Lai Mohammed is a far cry. Mr. President should ask General Olusegun Obasanjo and he will tell him that the Media Team of Atiku Abubakar managed by Mal. Shehu Garba and Ifeanyi Izeze stands out as the most portent and viable Media outfit in Nigeria. I will suggest that the Presidential Team to take some lectures from Mal. Garba on how to manage the offices they are occupying as the idea of unwarranted attack on some of the key actors that will assist the President in his future political calculations is the worst idea of selling a President looking for a second tenure.

Conclusion

In conclusion and in line with the recent postulation of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gown Rtd, it is not late to redefine, reform Nigeria. According to this living sage, “What is happening in our country today calls for sober reflections, as we entreat God on behalf of our nation. I want to believe that in spite of the gloomy situation made manifest by the escalating security and political challenges in our nation, the church in Nigeria, given its spiritual and human resources, occupies a strategic position to trigger process aimed at remaking, enforcing and reinforcing the blessings of Nigerian jubilee. It is not late to redefine and reorder Nigeria.”

Mr. President must build on the virtues that will assist our democracy by properly recognizing the office of the NGF Chairman in the person of Governor Amaechi and intervene and ensure that those behind the crisis in Rivers State are called to order and Gov Amaechi restored to his position as the Leader of PDP in Rivers State and Mr. Joseph Mbu redeployed as the Rivers State Commissioner of Police as a matter of urgency unless he has not done much harm to the image of Mr. President. With all that has happened, it is very clear to any responsible mind that Amaechi is not a push over when serious political issue is involved in Nigeria.

Finally, the RCCG Open Heaven daily Guide of 29th July came handy at this juncture. Titled, Leading with God’s Fear, 2 Samuel 23:3 The God of Israel said, “the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” while to all Nigeria, the Action point throws more light on this by stating that, “A leader who fears God is both accountable to God and the people under him or her”. Let us ask that only such leaders will govern our lives and nation from now on.

God has blessed Jonathan and have offered him a unique opportunity to take Nigeria to greater heights and should seize this opportunity to right acts inimical to the greatness of this nation and write his name in gold by taking over governance from the charlatans controlling his government and deliver good governance base on the support given to him by Nigerians during the 2011 general elections. It is not too late to act.

Eze chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt and could be reached through ezemediaconcept08@rocketmail.com. Tel: 08038199163

By Prof Felix Edoho (alpharimah@outlook.com )

Gov Akpabio

“[A] wise man…built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had a foundation on the rock….[A] foolish man…built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell down with a great crash”   (Matt, 7:25-27, NIV).
“UOU…will be that man that will get ESD huffing and puffing, going back into their inner chambers and contacting their ‘oracles’….ESD UOU is at the door! Look in and either resign, or smile as you pull out (—) that will make UOU raise the white flag”  (Nya-Etok,  August 1, 2013).

Arc Nya-Etok is not a newcomer to commentaries on cyberfora. He has offered very fascinating ideas and constructive suggestions in the area of his professional expertise.  His approach to urban housing can potentially help ameliorate housing problems in the country. Not that our savvy architect is concerned only about housing.  In fact, his urban  housing concept is infused with political connotations. Yet, he has been relatively tempered and one could decipher some kernels of objectivity in his conceptual framing of his political beliefs. However, his political commentaries in recent times have assumed worrisome dimensions deserving serious meta-analytical deconstruction and interrogation on several grounds. First, it is a common phenomenon that when the wind blows, we have the opportunity to see the rear of a chicken. Second, it is an endemic human foibles that, try as our prominent architect often laboriously does to whitewash sensitive political issues of considerable import for our state coupled with his tortuous efforts to embellish his political commentaries with the niceties of a typical salesman, he is no less an unapologetic advocate of ethnic supremacy. Third, by juxtaposing his recent political utterances vis-à-vis the ongoing unfolding political scenario in our state, it is very obvious to discerning minds that our prolific architect has been designing and building his Akwa Ibom political house on quicksand. The political house that our great architect is designing and building will inevitably come crashing down because of its faulty and unsustainable foundation: injustice, inequity, and  unfairness.I always and will continue to ground my discourse on the AKS zoning/rotation politics on the triple principles: justice, equity, and fairness.  In contradiction, by designing and building his Akwa Ibom political house, our eminent architect is impervious to these self-evident principles.  Beyond this, Arch Nya-Etok would prefer to design and build his political houses with foundations for USD, while the one he designs and build for ESD will not have foundations. Yet, the Holy Scripture admonishes that “False weights and unequal measures–the LORD detests double standards of every kind” (Proverbs 20:10). Our prominent architect does not believe in the current zoning/rotation regime of the three senatorial districts. He came up with what he believes to be more equitable: Ibibio A; Ibibio B; and Ibibio C–a convoluted formula predicated on reductionism.  While I do not believe that we are more atomistic than any other ethnic group in Nigeria (ala Prof. Ayandele), it is however befitting to verify from our theoretician-architect if the structural configuration of our senatorial districts is so atomistic that no  political accommodation will ”satisfice” all constituent groups? By contrast, I am persuaded that what our people need most is a political arrangement rooted in justice, equity, and fairness. The seemingly elegance of the political house designed and built by Arc Nya-Etok is bereft of these triple principles. Therefore, the design has no sustainable foundation; it is hallow; and it cannot stand the periodic political storms that characterize any system in flux.  Our self-described urbane architect operates in concert with a fraction of political fringe that thrives on chaos. He has become self-identified “SHADOW RACER” of this fringe. Our architect-shadow racer is among those who believe that there is no qualified person in ESD to become governor of AKS in 2015. Yet, ESD has paraded Prof. Eyo Ita, D. J. Edoho, Justice Udo Udoma, Gen. U. J. Esuene, Dr. Clement Isong, Sen. Udo Udoma, Sen. Victor Akan, and so forth. Simply because, as law-abiding citizens, prospective governorship candidates from ESD play by the rules of the game, our eminent architect concluded that there is no qualified person from there. To market their candidate, our architect use code words, such as “excellence,” “performance,” “progressive,” “competence,” quality leadership,” and the list goes on ad infinitum. Conspicuously missing on their supposedly patented list of qualifications, however, is corporate experience.  Curiously enough, our architect joined the fringe in the league of injustice and inequity to sing kumbaya,  screaming themselves hoarse in celebrating the appointment of Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, with intimidating qualifications and unparalleled corporate experience, as the new SSG. I asked myself: didn’t  they say no good thing  ever came from Nazareth? This goes to demonstrate with unimpeachable certainty that our architect, like his colleagues in the wrong lane of history, is Janus-faced with investiture of subjectivity in understanding there are qualified people in all corners of AKS universe.  That Gov. Akpabio has appointed a corporate management titan as his new SSG is a testimony to his political  sagacity and purposeful leadership. In an interview he gave and posted on the different fora on July 27, 2013, our renown architect bragged that he has “spent quality time talking DIRECTLY with key players including the governor, UOU, Albert, and so many others, and come out with the real concern of a terrible disaster that await [sic] us in 2015 that will make the issue of 2011 child’s play if we don’t honestly and sincerely pitch for honesty, sincerity, fair consideration, and good conscience.” The list of the key players with whom our architect spent time is both instructive and conclusive: not people in ESD and ISD because he does not count them as key players in AKS affairs. The honorable architect touts honesty when he practices dishonesty; he mouths sincerity when he elevates insincerity; fair consideration whereas he is inconsiderate; and he preaches good conscience when his utterances are unconscionable. Does our distinguished architect believe ESD will compromise on governorship to avoid his conjectural ”terrible disaster”?  If our eminent architect insinuates that such a threat will preempt ESD’s unyielding demand for justice, equity, and fairness in 2015, then definitely he may be wallowing in grand delusion.    That our architect-turned-theorist could employ pedestrian language in describing the proud people of ESD not only diminishes his status, but is even more troubling:  ”UOU…will get ESD huffing and puffing, going back into their inner chambers and contacting their ‘oracles.’ ESD does not need any advice from our esteemed architect on whom to consult on its existential political future.  Undoubtedly, ESD will not consult our eminent architect whose dysfunctional belief system is diametrically opposed to what it stands for. Arc. Nya-Etok does not hesitate to express his unsolicited sympathy for ESD. For one, why should ESD go to individuals with vein of injustice and inequity for advice on politics 2015? ESD does not need and will never ask for sympathy from anyone or group. ESD has truth on its side as well as individuals with superior brainpower to offer it constructive ideas that reflect the reality of AKS as a political organism. Our dear architect and his cohort must come to terms with the fact that insofar as governorship had been zoned to USD (1999-2007) and ISD (2007-2015), the next call is ESD (2015-2013).  For 2015, we will critique governorship candidates on all dimensions of human experiences, including corporate experience. I believe that an amalgam of diversity of corporate experience/strategic planning skill;  public sector experience; knowledge of our state, its people and their yearnings, and ability to carry all sections/groups along; and passion for industrialization and generating employment and institutionalizing entrepreneurial culture will constitute the minimum criteria for governorship in 2015. A purely bureaucratic experience will not cut it this time; bureaucrats are good for policy implementation and civil service rules enforcement. Rarely are bureaucrats strategic thinkers and visionaries. Long tenure of office is a major handicap for  bureaucrats, because it renders them victims of tunnel vision and obsolescence. To build upon the sustainable foundation that Gov. Akpabio has established so far, ESD will present a credible candidate whose combined corporate and public sector experiences will position him/her to perform for AKS.  To realize this goal, ESD will cultivate and earn the support of its conscientious brothers and sisters in USD and ISD.  Neither ESD as a geopolitical unit nor AKS needs Arc. Nya-Etok

Senator Helen Esuene, the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate is not a woman used to chasing shadows. She is neither a woman that shies away from the battle ground. Several times she has dared to tread the path that only the bravest could
venture into. At a time widowhood threatened to consign her into the oblivion after the death of her
husband, this woman of purpose refused to give up. She went on to build an enviable and enduring network of humanitarian, business and political legacy that continue to provide succour to thousands of Nigerians.
The fact that that she remains the single biggest private employer of labour in Akwa Ibom State is yet to be disputed. . There are over 500 employees cutting across all ethnic divides in Nigeria working and earning their daily leaving under her enterpreneurial watch.
She seeks to bring this uncommon legacy of hope and succour to thousands of unemployed youths in Akwa Ibom State most of whom are content in being used and dumped by politicians during elections. Seeking to serve the state as a governor is a challenge Senator Esuene is fully prepared for having been part and parcel of her husband’s unequalled stewardship as the first military governor of a war torn South Eastern State.
Most Akwa Ibom people acknowledge the fact that she comes from a heritage known to offer quality service to mankind. No one can deny the fact that her late husband, the late Brigadier General Udoakagha Jacob Esuene established an enviable model of governance in the then South Eastern State some 30 years ago. This is a legacy yet to be equalled by successive administrations east of the Niger.
As for her reasons for entering the governorship race, there seems to be a harmony of political opinion in the state that her public and community service records put her in good stead as a front runner in the race .
She has rendered over 17 years of unbroken, dedicated and meritorous service to her fatherland. Also, over 200 students mostly from indigent background are benefitting from her Annual Scholarship Scheme, a project she started long before becoming a Minister and a Senator.
She has also set up the Job Network Centre to facilitate the employment of youths in Akwa Ibom State into Federal Ministries and Agencies. She also recently set up the Riviera Multipurpose Society to empower women in the state to engage in productive services to earn a living.
In her present position as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, She has successfully adopted the policy of regular consultation with her constituents through Town Hall meetings while also attracting numerous federal government projects to the state.
“It is therefore with a keen sense of patroitism and passion to build on the legacies of the transformative leadership of our dear governor, the modern architect of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Dr. Godswill Akpabio that I have offered myself, out of a deep compassion and concern, to take our state to the next level”, Senator Esuene declared, while disclosing her intent to enter the race for the Hilltop
Mansion Senator Esuene has promised to run an open government founded on the principle of equity, transparency, accountability, social justice and participatory democracy.
The philosophy of her government, as enunciated by her, will be hinged on the popular dictum of ‘government of the people, by the people and for the people’.
“Our government shall be an all inclusive one as no section of the state will be left out in matters of governance. We shall at all times respond to the yearnings of our people and ensure that all sections of the state receive fair treatment in the provision of democracy dividends. The belief that those in government hold power in trust for the people shall be upheld. We shall run a government based on the sovereign will of the people”, she said, while adressing stakeholders in a recent
meeting.
According to her, traditional rulers, elders, women and youths shall be consulted and engaged in the formulation, articulation and implementation of government policies as they will be encouraged to participate in the ownership and maintenance of government infrastructures to complement the activities of security personnel in safeguarding these infrastructures. She said by so doing the people will feel bound to see themselves as partners in governance rather than by-standers.
As someone who has successfully managed a conglomerate for over two decades, the former Honourable Minister of Environment also promised to make transparency and accountability in the management of the state’s finances the moral fabric of her government. She also promised to render periodic accounts on the management of the state finances to sustain the confidence of the people.
On her vision for Akwa Ibom State, Senator Esuene said she longed to see an Akwa Ibom State that will become a toast of other states in Nigeria, a state where its people will once again speak with one voice as in the days of Ibibio State Union, a state where peace will eternally reign in the hearts of our people irrespective of tribe and tongue, a state where its resourceful and brilliant youths will no longer
settle for menial jobs in other climes (The Ekaette Syndrome). Senator Esuenealso promised to make Akwa Ibom an industrial hub and tourism destination in West Africa, and to usher in an era of economic prosperity and abundance
She promised to run a government that will give the numerous unemployed youths of Akwa Ibom State a visible, sustainable means of livelihood and hopes to fully deploy the vast human and industrial potentials of the state to make it an industrial destination. Thirdly, she has promised to run a government that will ensure that the agricultural endowments of the state are fully exploited to ensure food security for our people.
Her vision for the people as encapsulated in her 3-point Agenda will therefore focus on the following key policy areas: Job Creation, Industrialisation and Food security
Unveiling her three point Agenda to the public, Senator Helen Esuene maintained that the greatest challenge facing any government is creating jobs for its teeming youths to take them away from crime and other anti-social behaviours. Her government, she said, shall establish Trading Clusters in all the 31 Local Government Areas of the state to encourage both skills acquisition and service delivery. She is optimistic that these Trading Clusters will provide succour to thousands of our youths and women.
Since it is almost impossible for government anywhere in the world to provide jobs for all of its people, Senator Esuene expressed optimism that government shall create enabling environment to stimulate economic development including the neccesity to encourage citizens to form cooperative societies to facilitate business transactions among themselves.
One way of tackling the current high level of unemployment in the state, according to her, is that the government shall completely review the curricula of our schools at all levels to encourage acquisition of vocational, technical and technological skills. This is to enable products from such schools upon
graduation become employers of labour rather than become a burden on their parents and government in view of the fact that the world is increasingly moving towards a knowledge driven economy.
On industrialisation, Senator Esuene said the industrial policy of the state will be driven by the vision to save the state from the quagmire of being continuously labeled a civil service state. The Government, she said, shall also review the circumstances that led to the collapse and or abandonement of some industries in the state with a view to reviving them through the Public Private Partnership (PPP).
The collaboration of foreign investors would be sought to revive these industries while efforts will be made to take advantage of the enormous oil and gas endowments of the state to go into petroleum related investments.
Assuring to work to achieve food security in the state, she said the state is blessed with enormous agricultural products and a favourable climate that should make it one of the food baskets of the nation. It shall be the primary task of our \ government, she said, not only to ensure food security in the state, but also to ensure that our farmers get value for their investments.
Other strategic areas that will receive govenment attention include Health, Transport, Education and Tourism. On Health, an Esuene Government will place emphasis on overhauling the Preventive Medicine and Primary Health Care Delivery System in the state to ensure a reduction in infant and maternal death. It also intends to embark on a comprehensive overhauling of the health sector to meet
international conventions on child, maternal and reproductive health. The registration of births and deaths shall be made compulsory to ensure proper and effective planning by government.
Given the poor maintenance culture of our people and the need to maintain the existing state of the art road infrastructure built by the current administration,
an Esuene Government has mooted the novel idea of establishing Akwa Ibom State Road Maintenance Agency (AKIRMA). Efforts, she said, will also be geared towards building of feeder roads to facilitate transportation of agriculture products and fast track integrated rural development.
In view of likely vagaries of income from oil in future, an Esuene Government intends to develop the tourism potentials of the state to generate additional revenue for the state and create employment.
With an airport in place, a good network of road and the proposed seaport at Ibaka, the State will be accessible and will be an attraction to international tourists and investors. The natural beaches that abound in the state’s 129 kilometre coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean will be fully developed and upgraded to meet international standard. Tourism sites where colonial legacies and monuments exist
will be conserved and commercialized. Esuene said her government shall encourage private investors to provide world-class hotels and hospitality outlets while our indigenous cultural festivals will be revived and upgraded to international standard to attract tourists and investors.
On Education, Senator Esuene hopes to make education policy in the state more holistic. She remarked: “Our ongoing education system will be overhauled, fine-tuned and made more functional. Our schools will be more properly equipped for effective service delivery. The policy will not just stop at acquisition of basic academic knowledge alone. Our students will be further exposed through Excursions,
Sports, Debates, Boy Scouts, Girls Gude, Civic Education, etc to get the best out of them.
“There will also be compulsory introduction of ICT in the curriculum of both our primary and secondary schools levels across the state. This is aimed at producing well rounded students who will be able to compete effectively at the global statge.
“Our policy in education shall be to produce the total child at the primary school level so that they would be able to face the challenges of higher education.; therefore, the Universal Basic Education (UBE) in the state will be fine-tuned for more effective service delivery. Priorities will be given to teachers training and proper equipment of schools across the state”, she said.
It is quite re-assuring that Senator Esuene has kick-started her campaign based on issues of development predicated on a legacy of performance and gubernatorial competence. The destiny of Akwa Ibom people is more important than the present pandering to sentiments of micro-ethnic political power balancing. It is also a lesson to a certain out of favour desperado who suddenly, and perhaps accidentally, found himself occupying the political space in the state and had wanted to use
such privilege to further entrench himself in government.
This article was written by Victor Effik, a journalist and author based in Abuja .
E-mail: victoreffik@yahoo.com You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , GSM: +234 705 1217 194 (SMS only)

Hon Dakuku Peterside represents Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro Federal Constituency. He is also the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), in this interview with journalists in Abuja, he opined that “History Will Vindicate Amaechi” given the current crisis rocking the oil-rich Rivers State. Sylvester Asoya reports. Excerpts.

Q:
Hon as a key stakeholder in Rivers State, do you see peace returning to the State?

Dakuku:
I see peace returning to Rivers State. All those who destabilised the peace of the state for their personal and parochial interest would have seen the futility of their action. I have always known that evil will not triumph over good just as darkness cannot resist light. Governor Amaechi represents light in many ways.

Q:
But opponents of the Governor have placed advertorials on pages of newspapers and in the electronic media that Gov Amaechi is averse to reconciliation

Dakuku:
Governor Amaechi desires and is committed to reconciliation but not at the expense of Rivers State interest. He has taken steps to show that he is not averse to reconciliation. The Governor has gone to brief the President and I believe that the President is committed to the peace, progress and stability of the nation. The implication of that for me is that the President will take steps to advance peace in all parts of the territory of Nigeria including Rivers State. I am optimistic that the President will not allow political considerations including his own perceived ambition prevail over the overall interest of the country.
I know the President is conscious of his place in history. Even at the risk of repetition, Gov Amaechi is not averse to reconciliation and peace.

Q:
The Governor’s opponents say his stubbornness is part of the problem of Rivers State

Dakuku:
It is possible that Governor Amaechi is stubborn in upholding the truth. It is possible Gov Amaechi is stubborn in defending Rivers resources and Rivers interest. But they should know that we are running a Federal system and Gov Amaechi is accountable first to God and to Rivers people who elected him. Nobody has said Gov Amaechi is dishonest.
It is unfortunate that Gov Amaechi has tremendous courage in a society where courage is lacking, courage to stand up for the truth. In other climes courage and success attract respect but in this society it attracts envy and attack and vilification. I do not think Rt. Hon Amaechi has any regret. He might be misunderstood today but history will be kind to him.

Q:
Is it true that Gov Amaechi has lost focus in Governance since this crisis started?

Dakuku:
Absolutely not. Governor Amaechi has rather stayed focused on the main task at hand – Serve the people of Rivers State and help them take the revolutionary development he started to the next level. In fact he has accomplished more in six years to deserve optimal respect. You may have noticed his television appearances in recent times and will agree with me that each time he appears cool and confident. Nobody can deny the fact that under his administration, Rivers State has made and is still making tremendous progress.

Q:
There is this talk of EFCC investigating Rivers State officials and ESI, the Governor’s wife’s NGO. What is your take on this?

Dakuku:
The Governor is not averse to investigation. I stand to be challenged; he is one of the most transparent Governors today in Nigeria. He is equally vocal thus cannot afford the risk of corruption. But any investigation by EFCC which is a creation of the law or legislation must be in the context of law. There is a subsisting court order barring the EFCC from investigating Rivers State. Governor Rotimi Amaechi did not secure that injunction so EFCC must vacate it first before proceeding to investigate Rivers State and her officials. When we act outside the framework of the law, it is an invitation to anarchy. We are a society governed by law and not brawn. On the threat to investigate ESI, the NGO founded by the wife of the Governor for which I am Chairman of the Board of Trustees, it is nonsensical as it is unlawful. ESI is not a government agency nor is it a statutory body. No trustee of ESI has complained that there is fraud or that the non-profit has acted against the spirit of the foundation on which it was established or acted against public interest. It is only when a trustee of ESI complains to law enforcement agencies that you can call for investigation of its finances. Whereas ESI is open to scrutiny by foundations that sponsor its activities, the invitation by political jobbers is outside the contemplation of the law thus futile and of no effect. We have too many ignorant busybodies posing as party officials in Rivers State. I sympathize with them. I sincerely thought we have gotten to a stage where the interest of Rivers State and Rivers people should be uppermost in our minds.

Q:
Recently the Police stopped a rally organized by Niger Delta Civil Society Coalition in defence of democracy. Do you believe that their action is in the best interest of democracy?

Dakuku:
I thought you knew where I stand on this. I join other well-meaning Nigerians to condemn in strong terms the illegalities being perpetuated in Rivers State by the Mbu-led Police Command. As you are aware the constitution of the country guarantees freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly. Not even Mbu can deny us this constitutionally- backed right. Peaceful rally is an essential ingredient of sustainable democracy. Mbu, without any doubt, is on a mission in Rivers State but he will fail. This same Mbu who is stopping civil society from protesting has actively supported anti-Gov Amaechi protests thus cannot conceal his bias against Rivers people and Governor Amaechi in particular. I am still optimistic that the police authorities will do what is right by immediately re-deploying Mbu to allow peace reign, unless they are saying the Police High Command does not want peace in Rivers State.

Q:
There is this story that CP Mbu was transferred out of Rivers State but the IGP was prevailed upon by some persons to bring him back to the State against the resolution of both Chambers of the National Assembly calling for transfer of Mbu. What is the truth in this?

Dakuku:
I cannot say whether it is true or not that CP Mbu was transferred from Rivers State but knowledgeable police sources can confirm that indeed Mbu was transferred and made CP in charge of NPA. The same source named the person posted to Rivers State as Mohammed Katsina. If this is true I don’t know what other evidence we need to realize that some persons in high authority do not want peace in Rivers State. On the resolution of both Chambers of National Assembly, Police high Command cannot afford to confront the people of Nigeria through the institution of National Assembly.
This call for immediate transfer of CP Mbu out of Rivers State is a resolution of both chambers of the National Assembly where all parts of Nigeria have Representatives. Mind you there is no way the National Assembly will fold its hands and look helpless lest impunity triumphs over the will of Nigerian people. Neither the Presidency not Nigerian Police is bigger or stronger than Nigerians as collective. There is sufficient justification to transfer Mbu out of Rivers State so peace can reign. Time will tell. My prayer is let reason prevail.

Q:
There is a threat by the current Executive of PDP in Rivers State to suspend you and other National Assembly members from PDP?

Dakuku:
You mean the persons parading themselves as party Executives in Rivers State? This threat shows two things; the first is that they are the ones who do not want reconciliation in the party because they are afraid of what fate will befall them. Anything established on wrong foundation will certainly fail. The second is that it shows the degree of their desperation and ignorance of the constitutional provisions of PDP constitution. Those who genuinely desire the good of the country are calling the attention of those who are presently in charge of PDP to matters likely to affect the chances of the party in future elections whereas political jobbers are busy protecting non-existent territory and their political interest. It is most regrettable.

Q:
There is an allegation in the social media that there is a significant arms buildup in Rivers State in preparation against Governor Amaechi. Is this true? rWho is responsible for this arms buildup?

Dakuku:
I read it like you did. I do not know the truth. There have been allegations in the past of meetings between immortal CP Mbu and ex-militants. The public did not take the alarm seriously at that time but we saw what played out, how these same ex-militants enjoyed police protection to stage several protests on the streets of Port Harcourt. This time I don’t think this allegation should be taken lightly. Whether it is true or not one thing I am sure is that those behind this arms build-up will fail. Rivers people will rise up to defend themselves against every act of aggression. God is solidly with Rivers State and I have never had cause to doubt God. All those planning evil against Rivers State should be mindful of the fact that there is a God that reigns in the affairs of men. The greatest weapon we have had as a people is truth even in the face of intimidation and harassment for no justifiable reason.

By Bakar D’Sallah.

•Akpabio’s treatment of people indicating interest in certain public offices gives cause for concern. Celebrated British playwright, George Bernard Shaw, had the likes of Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State in mind when he wrote ages ago that the only lesson man learns from history is that he never learns from history. Or, how else does one interpret the recent gangster-like method of removing the former Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Umana Okon Umana, from office.

According to newspaper reports, plain clothed security men barricaded the former SSG’s office, moved from one office to the other, locked the doors and checked the hand bags of staff of the office before ordering them to leave. Umana’s crime, as defined by Akpabio, was the former’s’ effrontery’ in declaring his ambition to govern the state in 2015.

After what he described as due consultations with stakeholders across the state, the former SSG declared: “I have decided to make public my intention to run for the office of governor of the state…” Akpabio, the all-knowing governor, who sees himself as the best thing that has happened to the hapless state, would have nothing of that. How could anyone harbour such an ambition without his blessing? He sees it as part of his remit to decide who will take over from him at the end of his tenure in 2015.

Akpabio not only knows what is good for the state, only he is imbued with the wisdom to determine the ambition of his people. In the infallible wisdom of the governor, Umana would do well as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. So he offered him what many would consider a juicy job. The oracle had spoken! To the surprise of Akpabio, the former SSG turned down the NDDC job. Hence, this resort to executive lawlessness!

Keen watchers of the politics of the state will recall that Akpabio’s predecessor, Obong Victor Attah, did not send security agents after Akpabio when he indicated interest in succeeding Attah in 2007. Although Attah preferred his son-in-law to Akpabio for the gubernatorial seat, he never went as far as humiliating Akpabio or throwing decency to the winds as Akpabio has done in this instance.

If the governor feels the former SSG’s public declaration to contest for the governorship of the state could distract him from his official duties, the next line of action is not a wanton display of raw power. There are accepted civilized ways of reliving a high public officer of his job. Governor Akpabio must be worried about what is increasingly becoming his trademark and should therefore be concerned about the verdict of history.

When his former deputy, Nsima Ekere openly voiced a similar interest in governing the state come 2015, Akpabio forced him to resign his position as deputy governor of the state. Not too long ago, Governor Akpabio embarked on an elaborate charade to recall Senator Aloysius Etuk from the Ikot- Ekpene senatorial district. The senator’s ‘crime’ was that he openly declared his interest to seek re-election in 2015. Akpabio would have none of that. That is the same seat he is eyeing after his eight- year gubernatorial sojourn. And as he (Akpabio) unashamedly disclosed to a shocked audience, the senator didn’t win the party’s primaries, he it was, who substituted the name of Senator Etuk for the real winner.

In other words, the governor rigged his party’s primaries in favour of another candidate! The clowning in Akwa Ibom State has again brought to the fore the quality of people that have been thrown up since the commencement of civilian rule in 1999. As the nation moves towards the crucial 2015 elections, the political parties should be reminded of the need for internal democracy. Persons to be presented for public office must be fit and proper persons: in learning and character.

The Nation – Editorial

CONCERNED CITIZENS of AKWA IBOM STATE
GLOBAL DIASPORA
United States of America (U.S.A.)
(586) 260-7506
ccain.ccain@gmail.com

Dateline USA
Press Release

08 20 2013

The Road to 2015
Beyond the Ring of Entitlement……….

To close the sell, you must knock on doors and ask for the order……

For decades, the only emissions out of Akwa Ibom Atlantic coast line communities have been that of hydrocarbon polluting the air from producing oil wells and associated economic activities.
And yes, today, these communities (geo-politically referred to as “Eket Senatorial District” ), hold much promise for the future of Akwa Ibom State, just as it did in the past in providing Akwa Ibom with a formidable patriot and champion of good in the person of Sir Justice Udo Udoma.

We the Concerned Citizens of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria (CCAIN) see no dearth of leadership capacity within “Eket Senatorial District”, and so we support the quest of the district towards winning the governorship election and assuming the mantle of gubernatorial leadership in Akwa Ibom State come 2015.

However, recent emissions out of persons and groups purportedly representing “Eket Senatorial District” is clouded with the stench of “affirmative action” and/or “quota system”, often weak in considering excellence as a selection criteria.

It must be in the tactics, because we in CCAIN are certain “Eket Senatorial District” have sophisticated minds and the district extend well beyond the “Ekid” communities that have just issued a rather boring, weak, and whining communique out of the just concluded AKISAN National Convention .
“Eket Senatorial District” includes Oro and MkpatAbasi communities and we encourage all from these communities to come forth with the quality of advocacy that is worthy and will assure gubernatorial election victory on the road to 2015.
We trust that “Eket Senatorial District” will return with a communique that goes beyond the ring of entitlement, to substantive value proposition; a communique that pivots away from the “Justice” mantra, to presenting a candidate with a pedigree of justice, fairness, and a heart that seeks equity for all Akwa Ibom communities.
Politics has never been about “Justice”, it has always been about substance, reason, and emotion;
And of course in Akwa Ibom State, forced outcome through murders, kidnappings, ballot box high jacking, election rigging, and bribing of election workers and judges.
So, what lies on the road to 2015?!

Appealing to Godswill Obot Akpbio (a person whom when one looks at his face, one sees the Tin-Can face of a Tin-God, a Tyrant Cannibal; one sees on his face murders, kidnappings, looted Akwa Ibom treasury, profligacy, and a bitten finger that fed him stuck in his fat mouth. Many substantive Akwaibomites have no interest in looking at his face and so boycott events with Akpabio in attendance…), is the first sign the signatories to afore mentioned “Ekid” communique need to STOP, for they appeal to instincts that will return Akwa Ibom State to those dark days of murders, kidnappings, ballot box high jacking, election rigging, and bribing of election workers and judges.
Didn’t same Godswill Akpabio invade CRARN in Esit Eket and drove Sam Itauma into exile? Didn’t same Godswill Akpabio shut down all efforts at employment of Eket people through stifling Amakpe Refinery out of Eket?? Didn’t same Godswill Akpabio violate Ekpotu and Nsima Ekere of Ikot Abasi???
OK! He favored his family’s historical allies in Eket!!….is that what this empty and whining communique is all about in the name of the good people of “Eket Senatorial District”?!

In appealing to Godswill Akpabio, you tacitly become an accomplice in the evil, intimidations, kidnappings, murders, and profligacy visited upon ‘Eket Senatorial District” and Akwa Ibom State by this evil faced and evil hearted person.
Godswill Akpabio knows he is despised for the blood on his hands and no litany of Attah initiated projects nor claim of credit for other people’s ideas will absolve him of accountability.
Alright we have seen those videos on “urban Renovation”, but so what! We have also seen the flooded-out school in Ikot Ibiok Eket! Now where is the “First in Africa” Jacked up drainage system?!
Ikot Ibiok Girls School in Eket is more representative of Akwa Ibom beyond the paint-up window dressing along the main thoroughfares. Akwa Ibom is all adorned in con; Iyayake!
That is why we need a credible “Eket Senatorial District” candidate that trusts in the power of democracy and the people’s vote, not in Akpabio’s pronouncements and election rigging.

Recently, some individual shared the postulate that “Politics in Akwa Ibom had since moved on”;
Question is: moved on to where?!
We in CCAIN see a tendency to move Akwa Ibom Politics back to the very dark days…it is such tendency that enable “Justice” mantra and clamor for entitlements. An overload on entitlement and emotional appeal is only begging for more of the same Akwa Ibom politics of forced outcome through murders, kidnappings, ballot box high jacking, rigging, and bribing of election workers and judges.
Is this what lies on the road to 2015?!

Modeling Mugabe of all people?!
“Quoting Robert Mugabe, the retired senator said that for Eket Senatorial District, “the 2015 gubernatorial election is a life and death issue.” – Samuel Essien
PEOPLE, REALLY?!

“You in the Diaspora must act and write open letters. Write to the leadership of PDP in Akwa Ibom. Write to Governor Godswill O. Akpabio. Write to President Goodluck Jonathan. Write to Alhaji Bamaga Tukur. Write to Chief Tony Anenih. Write to all stalwarts of PDP on this all important and weighty subject.”- Samuel Essien

Oh no! This is simply pitiful and somewhat desperate.
Please dear ESD people do not heed the Retired Senator Etang Umoyo’s advice.
And do not, repeat, do not bring Zimbabwe ZANU-PF style strife to Akwa Ibom State; it’s very bloody.

There is a better way….
The cry for “Justice” is a flawed tactic……..
We in CCAIN therefore urge a return to a campaign of “Substance, Reason, and Emotion” by every constitutionally qualified Akwa Ibom State citizen.

We in CCAIN urge Akwa Ibom citizens to remain resolute and resilient in our commitment to winning the future for Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, a future devoid of insecurity, a future strengthened by our rich diversity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation.

On Zoning and how we select our leaders:
In Akwa Ibom State there are families and blood lines that have been historical beneficiaries of community goodwill, but have retuned to claim dominion over those who sponsored and enabled their prominence.
These families and persons thereof come under the pretext of wishing to give back to the people of Akwa Ibom State, they talk “POSITIVE ANGER!” but turn around to remain perpetual leaches, plundering Akwa Ibom common wealth whenever they have the opportunity.

It is important that you know this and reject any future derivatives from these families that have demonstrated they are not good for Akwa Ibom State.

As we look for leaders,
Akwa Ibom must reject the tendency towards leaders with potential of further fragmenting Akwa Ibom communities.
Akwa Ibom must reject candidates from communities with deep seated historical grievances that eat away at them and manifest in over compensation and shear evil while in government.

To ignore these facts, is to extend the days of murders, kidnappings, mayhem, and fear.
The one thing Akwa Ibom must never do again is select her leaders out of a stock that come with grievance against Akwa Ibom people. They have consistently come with scourge earth agendas and vengeance.

And to those that insist on zoning –
Zoning arrangement within PDP political party is not an “Akwa Ibom State Policy”.
Zoning is not in Akwa Ibom State governing laws.
So if PDP party agreed to a rotating representation schedule, that is fine and should be honored within the Party; an agreement is an agreement and carries TRUST as an inherent element.

But if a candidate is outside the PDP party, he or she should be free to go out and persuade the electorate (that is if such a person has the resource and political platform).

A fundamental question to ask is: what is the expectation when an Uyo person is Governor?!
Develop Uyo only? Take turn in emptying Akwa Ibom treasury?? Benefit only folks from Uyo senatorial district??? Appoint, employ, and favor only family members and persons from Uyo????

If the answer to above questions is YES, then alright, there is value in the rotations and entitlements.

But if ultimately we expect a Governor to serve the entire Akwa Ibom State equitably, then the zoning logic is confounding. It would not appear to matter where the person originates from!
Zoning seam simply an exercise at appeasement; just so that an Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, or Eket person may earn bragging rights that their neighborhood person governed Akwa Ibom State (competent or not).

Affirmative actions (zoning, quota, etc) have always bred a sense of entitlement and the mockery of diminished performance.

Socio-Politically, affirmative action endorsements may seek to solve one problem, but they generate yet other conflicts and concerns.
So invariably, the TRUST problem remains. Some one somewhere will always complain!

The populist candidate goes to every constituency and persuade since there are no guarantees; the populist candidate then must demonstrate why he or she is the best for every constituency or be sufficiently charismatic to appeal to all or the majority.
Oh! How naïve we are…in Akwa Ibom State votes do not matter…. Leaders get APPOINTED and names get crossed out and written in….well then… may be the whiners are on the right road to 2015!

Zoning we characterize as an unsustainable socio-political model; it has the potential of exacerbating divisions to a point that there will be outright conflict if a group strongly feels marginalized; it stifles competency and suppresses the emergence of “best candidates”.

Flawed processes consistently yield flawed or substandard outcomes.

We at CCAIN urge Akwa Ibom to promote processes that lead to the emergence of “best candidates”, over affirmative action candidates.

CCAIN wishes Akwa Ibom State a safe journey on the road to 2015.

CCAIN Can…

Obong E. Umana
@ObongandI on Twitter
for CCAIN Board of Directors

About CCAIN:

Who We Are

Concerned Citizens of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria (doing business as CCAIN) -
CCAIN is a Not For Profit US Corporation (a MEMBERSHIP organization) dedicated to advocacy for Public Safety, Good Governance, and Economic Empowerment in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria in particular.

We are citizens and residents of the United States of America. All of us are working professionals while some are small business owners. Our common bond is that we are all originally from Akwa Ibom State (one of the states in the Petroleum oil producing Niger Delta region of Nigeria) who, at different times, migrated to the United States. All of us are strong advocates for a better Nigeria through effective leadership, guided by the rule of law and the principles of participatory democracy.

By Obong Umana

 By Edet Edubio

Dear President Jonathan,

I am a noble son of Akwa Ibom State, who would prefer to be recognized as a retired civil servant with vast interest in the potentials of the agriculture industry. Simply put, I am a farmer at present, yet committed to contributing to the development of our nation.Mr President, please don’t mistake me for any opportunist who seeks an appointment of any form, rather accept me as an objective member of the Nigeria society who has finally refused to close his eyes while his house is on fire.Permit me to re-iterate my happiness with your administration for the apparent reforms in the power sector and the determination to ensure that the safety of life and property is not compromised. Indeed history will maintain a favourable epitaph of a president from the so-called minority part of the country whose selfless approach to leadership provided that channel to the light at the end of the otherwise dark tunnel.Presido, as you are aware, the arrival of a merger or mega party, APC, means that the credibility of your party in the minds of the people should not be compromised. Already, several things appear to be happening within the PDP which is threatening the fabric of the party’s unity.

News about Nse Ntuen’s Arrest in Baltimore, USA

Before I continue further, and just in case you have no time to read up the letter, I want to tell you that appointment of party men to pilot or handle specific tasks on behalf of the party is a very important assignment that should not be treated with kid’s gloves. Particularly, I refer you to the recent Anambra State Gubernatorial Congress Committee for that State Governorship primaries scheduled for August 24,2013.According to reports, the Committee is chaired by the Katsina State governor Barr Ibrahim Ibrahim Shema with members as SAN Victor Ndoma Egba the Senate Leader, former federal Minister of Education Alhaji Dauda Birma, and the MD of National Insurance Trust Fund Mrs Ngozi Olejeme, while my brother Mr Nse Ntuen is the secretary. This appointment by the PDP national working committee is no doubt propelled by the influence and advise of the chairman of the PDP Governor’s Forum Chief Godswill Akpabio.A cursory look at the list of the members of the committee will reveal that two lawyers, one a serving state governor and the other a senator and senior advocate of Nigeria, will be robbing minds with an uneducated, tainted Nse Ntuen who has not earn the respect of his own people.It might interest you, Nse Ntuen is the current chairman of Essien Udim local government area, and the chairman of local government chairmen’s forum otherwise called ALGON in the state. Although he is serving for a second term in office, he is far from convincing as a chairman, and his ability to lead, leaves a lot to be desired in from public officers, even though he is doing his second term. Essien Udim, is the birthplace or home local government of the Governor of my State, Chief Godswill Akpabio who I am glad has the pleasure of your ears. Recently, while on a trip to attend the meeting of Akwa Ibom indigenes in Washington, this same Nse Ntuen was arrested at the airport by security operatives for smuggling a whooping $82,000 into God’s own country even he falsely declared that he had brought in only $5,000. Unknown to him, the US government already had a wind of his criminal data and so conducted a thorough search on him after which he was arrested and the money was confiscated from him.My dear President, it was only when the culprit pleaded that he was accompanying Governor Akpabio for a charity event for his fellow citizens in Baltimore, that he was freed, but not before several online and terrestrial media national and international, reported about this ugly episode involving a corrupt government official of the Peoples Democratic Party. Sir in the past, so many people have done ignoble things that have smeared the name of your party and lowered its popularity before Nigerians.Remember how the corrupt Ibori in Delta state and Igbinedion in Edo State, Bode George, Oladimeji Bankole and so on, have cost your party its overwhelming leadership position, and remember your repeated clamour for transparency and rule of law. If truly you stand for these sterling qualities, then Nse Ntuen has no business on a panel that seeks to produce a credible leader for a people. How will the international community rate you if they discover that you are inaugurating a criminal they left a week earlier to help select a governor for a people.Think over this again.Before Nse’s emergence as chairman of the Governor’s local government was greatly against the agreement of the party leadership then headed by an astute son of the south south region, my brother Otu Ita Toyo. At the congress of the party held before the local government election in 2007, it was agreed that any aspirant for the election must posses at least an Ordinary National Diploma, or a Bachelors Degree. But surprisingly Nse with his First School Leaving certificate was imposed on the people and for the past five years has been at the helms of affairs with nothing to show for his being there. He is completely unanswerable to his people , as he claims he was not their chosen. But even if he were performing well as a local government chairman, with his scaring poor educational background, he shouldn’t be allowed to sit on the same forum with the respected noblemen on the Anambra state governorship polls. He will be quite out of place. My governor may be a great performer, nut as a human being, he has his weaknesses, one of which is his inability at times to deal with the brazen truth and kick his buddies out when the mess.Sir, I know you are a busy person, but permit me to conclude my submission with the point that it is an unhidden fact that Nse can neither read nor write, and as such for him to seat in a panel in a state that my indigenous language is not a understood by anybody , speaks volume of the calamity, disgrace and embarrassment you are bringing to the party. It is needless to remind you that PDP already has an uphill task upstaging APGA in an enclave such as Anambra and as such it is needless to have this chances further dampened by the presence of this controversial figure, who has neither intellectual depth nor has the prowess to add any constructive value in the PDP’s gubernatorial campaign in Anambra State.Mr President Sir, you may wish to ask your American Ambassador to confirm the arrest of Nse Ntuen last on Friday August 16,, at Baltimore, Washington DC. Most concerned Akwa Ibom people who have been aggrieved by the shame brought on the state by Nse Ntuen have already confirmed his rascality through the Acting Director of Customs at the Port of Baltimore, Mrs Susan Thomas. And the crime was equally reported in several media in Washington, including theBaltimore Sun reported by John Fritze whose e-mail is john.fritze@baltsun.com. Even whencontacted by Nigerian journalists, Mr. Strike Thomas, an official of the Maryland State Police Department at the airport, confirmed the incidence, and said that the suspect only declared $5,000 when he got to the airport, adding that it was further security checks that indicated that he was still having some bundles of USDollars in his bag In advance societies that we are trying to emulate, Nse would have been compelled to resign, and would have accounted for the money he was laundering. It is my belief that with your zero tolerance on corruption, you will not hesitate to ensure that the elusive justice which the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has overlooked, is carried out.

Elder Edet Edubio, Okobo, Akwa Ibom State

A certain story captioned “2015: Akpabio woos Umana Umana’s loyalists, foes”, written by Nigeria’s Youngest Editor, Ifreke Nseowo and published on Community Pulse newspaper has created much ripples in the Umana Okon Umana camp. Below is the story, Michael Bush’s response and Nseowo’s defense of his story.

2015: Akpabio woos Umana Umana’s loyalists, foes

By Ifreke Nseowo (Managing Editor)

Community Pulse investigations reveal that Governor Godswill Akpabio is currently wooing staunch loyalists and sworn enemies of his former close pal and ex Secretary to State Government, Obong Umana Okon Umana in a bid to stop him from realizing his ambition of getting into the Hiltop Mansion as the Executive Governor of the state come 2015.
Government House sources informed your soar away tabloid that after ousting Umana in an eye-brow-raising fashion, the state’s helmsman is in a mission to render Umana politically irrelevant and this he intends to do by speaking to his strong loyalists one-on-one.
We learnt recently that, Akpabio had put a telephone call through to one of Umana most trusted loyalists, Akparawa Michael Bush and urged him to ditch Umana and start working against him. According to those close to the Uruan born broadcaster, Akpabio promised that he will reward him (Bush) in no small measure if he succumbs to his offer. Bush, we understand had thereafter laughed off the offer and immediately informed his principal, Umana about the latest development.

Also, Akpabio had wooed some of his cabinet members who are known to be political allies of the 54year old Nsit Ubium technocrat. The state governor made several enticing offers to them, telling them to work against Umana, and also threatening to show them red card if they refused his proposals.

Chief Akpabio has also sworn to turn to perceived enemies of the former Commissioner of Finance, begging them to antagonize and rattle Umana so that he could surrender his governorship dreams.

Among Umana’s foes that Akpabio has sweet-tongued is Senator Effiong Bob whom many believe would happily jump at any offer in a bid to pay Umana back in his own coin for frustrating his 2011 senatorial ambition. It is no secret that Akpabio recently met Senator Bob in Abuja during the Eid-El-Fitri holidays and according to sources, Umana was top on the agenda of their tete-a-tete. The paper learnt on good authority that many politicians have given in to Akpabio’s advances while few have declined, maintaining that, it must be Umana or no one else.

Akpabio’s body language shows glaringly that he is desperate to stop Umana from succeeding him in 2015 and the state’s ex scribe is furious that the governor has reneged on almost all the agreements they earlier had.

Open Letter To Community Pulse!

Subj.: 2015, Akpabio Woos Umana Umana’s Loyalists, Foes

1.0 Community Pulse on Sunday carried the above banner headline on the front page of its 25th August, 2013 edition. Naturally, I was alarmed when the story written by Ifreke Nseowo suddenly branched off to me!

2.0 First, I reached out to the writer, who incidentally is the Managing Editor of the paper. He could not explain to me how he managed to concoct the story, especially the bit about me being wooed by Gov. Akpabio. Rather, Mr. Nseowo apologised for not calling me beforehand, and promised to carry the rebuttal!

3.0 Permit me not to repeat the total mischief here, so as not to spread it any further. However, from my own end, let me state that the story as it relates to me is F.A.L.S.E: false. Well, except if the writer is privy to imminent plans for me to be approached. The foregoing is important as I do not know what the intention or sense of the story was/is. Worse, Mr. Nseowo insists that he thought the story was good PR for me. Does he know something that I don’t?

4.0 But, here is it: the media and our people must exercise caution in the way stories are relayed about innocent persons. We should not be so malicious, so unprofessional, so careless, so inhuman in disseminating information. Above all, we should desist from weaving gist around people who are alive without first running it by them!

5.0 Finally, just to be sure; it is my belief that just as he did on telephone, Mr. Nseowo will not only apologise to me in the next edition of his paper but will also give it and this as much prominence as he did the original, fake story. That said, I like to plead with our people to channel their energies at praying for Akwa Ibom rather than at seeking to stoke real or perceived inter-personal fires. As for 2015, everyone knows I am a UOU man both in the day and at night. At 42, I know and I know that I know what I want. Is that too much for a newspaper to allow me in peace, if it cannot help me, to achieve it? Jesus is Lord!

Michael BUSH (Akparawa)
Director-General
Ibom Medallion

Re: Open Letter to Community Pulse by Michael Bush!

My attention has been drawn to a Facebook post by Michael Bush concerning a story captioned “2015: Akpabio woos Umana Umana’s loyalists, foes” written by me, Ifreke Nseowo and published on the Community Pulse (which I’m the Managing Editor) of Sunday 25thAugust,2013.

In the dying minutes of Sunday 25th August, 2013 I was already deep in sleep when I woke up to see a barrage of missed calls from several friends and colleagues. I wondered what was happening to warrant such litany of calls.

But immediately, a call came in from a very good friend and brother. He asked “Nseowo did you have any telephone conversation with Michael Bush? Have you read his post on Facebook?”. After dropping the call, I logged onto my Facebook timeline only to see a post by Mr. Bush that was directly targeted at ridiculing me and the newspaper house.

It is on this note that I wish to join this issue and state as follows:

1.0 I’m always guided by the ethics of the noble profession when I’m doing any story and would not in any way concoct a story as alleged by Michael Bush. That a story appearing to be controversial does not mean it is not true.

2.0 The banner story on Sunday Pulse of 25th August, 2013 captioned “2015: Akpabio woos Umana Umana’s loyalists, foes” is one of such true but controversial stories.

3.0 Yes, I received a call from Mr. Michael Bush at 9.38pm on Sunday, 25th August, 2013. Bush had asked why I had to publish the story without his consent and that I should have called him first before I go to press with it. He said as his friend, I should have protected his interest. He had asked me if he is the only Umana Umana loyalist that has been wooed? “Why is it that it is only my name that was mentioned in the story”, he asked.

4.0 I kept mute, listening to him. And so when he pressed on just to get words from me. Since he was angry from the tone of his voice, I decided to show him deep respect like a very senior colleague, big brother and friend. At that point I told him “I’m sorry sir”.

5.0 My apology to Bush was not for publishing the story but as a mark of respect and to allow him the confidence of communicating further with me at that time.

6.0 For the avoidance of doubt, I had actually sent a call across to Michael Bush at about 2.30pm on Saturday, 24th August, 2013 but I was told by the network providers that the number I was calling was out of network coverage. After getting the same response over and over again from the network providers, I then decided to put a call across to one of his close friends to know Bush’s whereabouts and he told me Bush was in Calabar. The friend also informed me he has been trying to get across to Bush but his number was not going through.

7.0 On the manuscript of the last paragraph of the story, it was indicated that all efforts to get Mr. Bush to comment on the issue proved abortive as I couldn’t reach him for comments as at the time the paper went to press but during the page planning process, the last paragraph was mistakenly not included by the graphic designer on duty.

8.0. Again, yes, as a friend of mine, I told him I thought the story was not going to harm him, and in the other way round it was good for his PR. I said so knowing that Mr. Bush is a die-hard UOU loyalist. But as a UOU loyalist that does not mean that the opposing camps will not reach out to him. And more in this case a state governor. Except Bush was lying to one of his friends that the governor had reached out to him. But if I may ask, is Mr. Bush considering ditching UOU for the governor’s enticing offer? Why is he denying that the governor called him?

8.0 Mr. Bush said that Ifreke Nseowo couldn’t explain how and why he “concocted” such a story he (Bush) claims to be false. As at the time Mr. Bush called, I was having dinner with two friends of mine at an eatery and music was being played on the background. There are certain conversations you can’t engage in at a particular time and mine with Bush was one of such. I couldn’t speak more with him because I was at a public place and I didn’t want to divulge sensitive information at that material time. And of course, the music played at where I was eating was disturbing our conversation. If Bush plays back the conversation he recorded, he will hear when I directed the waiter to go reduce the volume of the music.

8.0 For the records, Mr. Bush begged to know what could be done to remedy the situation. He asked if I could handle it, I told him to issue a press statement that I will help him publish it. Yes, I would have done it for him not because the story is false but because he is entitled to a rebuttal if he feels otherwise.

9. I was however surprised why he had to take to social media in a friendly discussion we had already concluded. It is on these grounds that I have to put this record straight because my silence on this matter would have been misconstrued to mean stupidity, cowardice and accepting all Bush wrote as true. Let me add that we won’t be deterred in our determination to inform and educate the people.

10. I still hold Michael Bush, my big brother, senior colleague and mentor in highest esteem. Thank you all.

Ifreke Nseowo (Connoisseur)
Record holding Nigeria’s Youngest Editor/Managing Editor, Community Pulse

By Essien Ubong

Akpabio shifts governorship to ESD

Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday on Akwa Ibom State (AKBC) Radio and  TV   officially  declared that for equity and fairness to reign in the tripod state of Akwa  Ibom, the next Governor of the state will no doubt come from Eket Senatorial District (ESD). The governor stressed that all the parts of Akwa Ibom State are stakeholders and it was unfair to jettison one part of the state when comes to political power play in the state.
”Akwa Ibom State has three senatorial district of which Uyo has produced a governor and I am a governor from Ikot Ekpene senatorial District, therefore we need to be fair with action to ensure unity in prevailed in our dear state and make the other senatorial district got it fair share as a stakeholder and potential contributor for the sustainability of growth and peace which we are very well noted for…” Akpabio emphasized.
About two weeks ago in far away Washington DC, where the Akwa Ibom State Association of Nigeria (AKISAN) organized it international convention, the governor had declared that it will wish his successor to come Eket Senatorial District . Akpabio is not resting in his oars with his strong view and call to ensure that his successor to the coveted Hilltop Mansion comes from the ESD.

The crisis within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is now taking a toll on the faction of the Party in Rivers State said to be loyal to the Junior Minister for State on Education, Nyesom Wike. The group led by Felix Obuah which recently through a controversial means secured a Court Order from a High Court in Abuja sacking the entire exco of the Party led by G.U. Ake, loyal to the state governor may now be counting their losses as the move by the President, Goodluck Jonathan to reconcile aggrieved parties is said not to go down well with them.

According to privilege source within the group which has been at the fore front of the opposition against Gov Amaechi, under a pressure group known as GDI is now confused due to feelers that Jonathan may dump Bamanga Tukur and other members of the NWC of the Party that emerged through the controversial Special Convention of the Party held last Saturday at the Eagle Square, Abuja. The convention, though colourful saw six governors and the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar staging a walk-out from the venue alongside their supporters. The move by this splinter group had thrown the other leaders of the Party into a state of confusion at the Eagle Square, an act which the President considered embarrassing to his personality and to the party.

The group alongside former acting Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Kawu Baraje and the suspended National Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola as well as former Deputy Chairman, Sam Sam Jaja had gone ahead to the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre to address a Press Conference, appoint the Chairman, his deputy and the Secretary of what they described as the new PDP.
The governors which include Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers, Wammakko of Sokoto, Nyako of Adamawa, Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Babangida Aliyu of Niger and Rabiu Kwakwanso of Kano may also have the support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo also listed out reasons for their actions which boils down to the autocratic style of Bamanga Tukur in running the affairs of the Party while the President is alleged to have supported him.

Obasanjo who was conspicuously absent from the Convention was said to have paid a visit to Jonathan the next day at the Presidential Villa to find a means of resolving the crisis which may cause further drift of the Party. An inside source revealed to AGOGO NEWS that Jonathan was ready to meet with aggrieved members and as such had bought OBJ’s idea of convening a meeting of the PDP governors and the Party’s BoT Chairman, Tony Anenih. The meeting which eventually took place also had the presence of four out of the six governors namely, Kwakwanso, Lamido, Nyako and Babangida Aliyu. Amaechi and Wammakko who were suspended by Tukur three months ago but with Wammakko recalled by Jonathan were absent from the parley.

The meeting was later shifted to Tuesday for further deliberations in which Amaechi and Wammakko were expected to attend. But the scheduled meeting could not hold and is re-scheduled for Tuesday next week to enable the two groups tinker with the options available for a peaceful resolution.

In the meantime, the group led by Atiku had gone ahead to give conditions for Peace which includes the sacking of bamanga Tukur, Uche Secondus, Kema Chikwe, Olisa Metuh and others. The Kawu Baraje group which is receiving pats on the back by federal lawmakers and other political parties is also asking for the cancellation of the results of the election which took place at the Eagle Square, the lifting of the suspension and eventual disqualification of Sam Sam Jaja from the election. The group which also asked Jonathan to drop his alleged 2015 ambition is also urging the President’s group to re-visit the Rivers crisis among other issues.

The splinter group which has approached a Federal High Court in Lagos asking INEC to de-register the Tukur-led faction and recognise the new faction as the authentic Party exco. While the Court has asked that the two factions remain until hearing of the substantive matter commences, the group said to be loyal to Jonathan is already considering the option of dropping the Chairman and his Team to pave way for another convention that would elect members of the NWC, to assuage the nerves of the aggrieved governors.

The position of the new group has also received the backing of Chief Tony Anenih who said on Tuesday in a Press statement that most of the issues raised by the group are genuine as such the Party will find a means of resolving the crisis so that they could all come back to the same umbrella.
In the light of this development, the opposition group to Amaechi led by Wike and Obuah and with the support of former governor Odili and Abiye Sekibo is said to be deeply worried as to which side the pendulum would swing. Informed source who spoke to AGOGO NEWS said the plan to concede to some of the conditions given by the new PDP has been a source of worry to Wike who in the past few months has been having a running battle with Amaechi over his ambition to succeed Amaechi in 2015. The camp in Rivers state is said to have fielded illegal delegates at the Convention as those loyal to Amaechi who are statutory delegates decided to boycott the Convention since their Master was suspended from the Party.

Meanwhile, Tukur who was said to have been expelled from the Party in 2001 alongside others was not properly re-admitted into the Party before seeking election as the Chairman of the Party in 2012. They say it falls short of the Party’s amended constitution of 2009 that may also get Tukur sacked just like his predecessor, Okwy Nwodo who was sacked under similar circumstances. If that happens, it could nullify every action taken by Tukur including the Convention that brought Secondus and others. It would also be a big minus for the Wike group and may lead to a further disintegration of the group.

Press statement

Gov Akpabio

Umana Okon Umana, Ex- SSG Akwa Ibom State

Leave governor Akpabio alone the attention of the 31 Local Government Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State have been drawn to the ongoing smear campaigns and ludicrous acts by individuals and media agents of Mr. Umana Okon Umana , immediate past Secretary to the State Government of Akwa Ibom State, aimed at disparaging the person of His Excellency, Chief (Dr) Godswill Akpabio, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

It is common knowledge, as evidences abound, that these individuals and groups claiming allegiance to Mr. Umana Okon Umana have in recent times, particularly, from the time he (Mr. Umana) was relived of duty as Secretary to Government in a routine governmental tradition, been blackmailing the State Governor, Chief Akpabio at various quarters, Especially to high ranking party and Government officials, all in furtherance of Umana Okon Umana’s ambition to rule Akwa Ibom State.

We are also aware that these group of persons have infiltrated the online and print-media platform through which negative newspaper and internet publications are made against the Governor, Chief (Dr0 Godswill Akpabio, in an attempt to introduce ethnic colouration into the politics of Akwa Ibom State and overheat the political space, thereby creating a multiplicity of falsehood all in a buidup to the 2015 governorship elections. Recent examples of such statements include acerbic releases by illusory groups such as the Movement for the Liberation of Akpakib Oro and in the fictitious Ibibio Elders Forum.

While we would not bother to glorify the ignorance churned out by these pseudo-groups and other rampaging individuals, it is appropriate to state that the administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio has, from its inception, made unity, equity and fair play it’s corner stone.

We are also aware of certain unscrupulous ploy by groups believed to have affiliations with the former Secretary to Government, top unleash mayhem in the state3 through mendacious indoctrination of some Ibibio elders and youth groups against the government of Chief Godswill Akpabio, among other gambits
However, we acknowledge that Mr. Umana Okon Umana has the right to vote and to be voted for if he so wishes, as enshrined the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but it must be said that truth remains the foundation for sustainable development and unity in any society; and that any ambition that does not serve the collective good of any society is antithetical to the tenet of democracy and democratization.

At this juncture, certain fundamental questions are begging for answer: Why should anyone, including the former Secretary to the Government, Mr. Umana Okon Umana undermine Governor Akpabio’s magnanimity of giving him an opportunity to serve the state? Have blackmail and character assassination ever triumphed over truth, justice and fair play in any society? Can the influence of money becloud the sensibility and sense of justice of the good people of Akwa Ibom State?

WE the 31 local government chairmen in Akwa Ibom State hereby advice Mr. Umana Okon Umana, his groups and media agents to leave Governor Godswill Akpabio alone. They should desist henceforth, from making statements and taking actions that are capable of smearing the good image of His Excellency the Governor, whose tremendous goodwill stands as tribute to his strength of character, judgment, and preference for inclusion over partisanship.

It is on record that Akwa Ibom State, since its creation in 1987, has not witnessed such developmental leap as in the last six years. Accordingly, the Ibom International Airport, the brand new State University , the superlative governor’s lodge, the path breaking e-library, the 30,000 capacity International Stadium, the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, the trail blazing underground pip-jacking drainage system, the 1200 kilometers of 32 roads, the free compulsory and qualitative education at the primary and post primary and post primary school levels, free antenatal care for pregnant women and free medical care for children and aged, and the ongoing urban remodeling projects which have changed the status of Uyo to that of a cosmopolitan city among other life-touching projects, exemplify the purposeful leadership in the state under Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio?

To this end, we enjoin the good people of the state not to be deterred by the unscrupulous engagements of the enemies of the state whose pre-occupation today is sowing seeds of discords, but support the transformational, dynamics, proactive, and transformational dynamics, proactive, and result oriented leadership of Chief Godswill Akpabio, whose efforts at actualizing the unity project our forebears has been unprecedented.
We wish to assure the good people of Akwa Ibom that as leaders of government at the grassroots level; we shall galvanize support for the popular wish and desire of the people of Akwa Ibom State in respect of the governorship and other elections come 2015

Finally, we shall stop at nothing, to resist attempts now and in the future, by any individual or group to malign the good image of His Excellency the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, chief Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio, as our commitment to the unity, peace, solidarity and sustainable development of Akwa Ibom shall remain unwavering

Signed by the 31 Local Government Chairmen in Akwa Ibom State