CHRONICLE OF PDP’S BLOODY ATTACKS AND ATTEMPT TO FRAME UP APC

CHRONICLE OF PDP’S BLOODY ATTACKS AND ATTEMPT TO FRAME UP APC

…Victim Not Dead, Says Attack Was Done By Udom’s Boys

… Confesses To Be An APC Supporter

Recent reports propagated by agents of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that its ‘supporter’ was mugged by supporters of All Progressives Congress, APC, during the grand reception organized for the APC Governorship candidate, Obong Umana Okon Umana, has been found to be false and misleading.
As a matter of fact, the opposite is the case, as the victim, Mr. Nsikan Akpapan, a known supporter of APC from Ibiono Ibom local government areas, was traced by our correspondent to the undisclosed hospital he is receiving treatment from the heavy cut he sustained from the hands of PDP thugs.

Although PDP propaganda machinery only recently reported him dead, Akpapan has reappeared to tell the world his story and name those who attacked him. He pointedly debunked rumours that he was attack by APC thugs and that he is dead.

Mr. Nsikan Akpapan, could barely sit up because of grave pain from deep slash sustained in his forearm, and other injuries to his legs and torso, nevertheless he kept denying the false report that he was attacked by APC thugs on Saturday 24th October 2015 along Edet Akpan Avenue as claimed by PDP propagandists, insisting that those who attack him on that fateful day were PDP members as the car they drove in had PDP stickers on it.

Narrating his ordeals Nsikan Akpakpan stated, “I was coming back from my business that evening and all of a sudden a car with PDP stickers on it parked in front of me and the occupants approach me and started harassing me with annoying questions.
“So as I was trying to defend myself, they brought out a machete from the boot of their car and for three times tried to machete my head but I managed to escape by God’s grace as they only cut my hand because they were more than me”, he revealed.

Speaking further, Akpakpan queried “I wonder why PDP are attacking me for supporting Umana Okon Umana as the governorship candidate of APC in the state”, and stressed that no amount of intimidation will deter him from supporting Umana to become the governor of the state.
He told our reporter that his treatment is courtesy his brother, adding that he could not make complaint at the Police Station since there is no fund to pursue the case if it goes to court.
He advised the state PDP to put their house in order and stop blaming its woes on innocent people and attacking them, noting that Akwa Ibom people are tire of PDP and are ready to embrace change that is taking place all over the country now.

PDP in Akwa Ibom state has a penchant for covering up bloody attacks on suspected opposition by its members. Its sixteen years in power has afforded it highly organized machinery to explain away assassinations and other politically motivated killings by framing up others.

On May 6, 2014, the corporate office of Obong Soni Udom, the patron of Ibom Democratic Network, IDN and Director General of Obong Umana Okon Umana Campaign Organization, in Uyo, the State Capital was invaded by the gunmen in search for Udom but left without stealing anything.
The incident was linked to assassination attempt motive which the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umana, strongly disagreed, dismissing it as armed robbery incident.
Curiously, within days, the hoodlums involved in the act were arrested and paraded by the Department of the State Service (DSS) in the state as armed robbers few days after the attack.

Similarly, following the slaying of a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Albert Ukpanah, the family of the deceased accused Governor Godswill Akpabio of attempting to distort facts of the murder and the continued imprisonment of his only son, Odudu.
The eldest daughter of the deceased politician, Uduak Ukpanah, on several occasions described statements credited to the governor on circumstances of her father’s killing and subsequent arrest and imprisonment of the only son without trial as “grave allegations, insinuations, half- truths and naked lies.”

The governor, who earlier voluntarily confessed to have given the deceased N2million before the murder later accused the son of killing his father despite Police report, which clearly stated that the death was politically motivated.

Also, some weeks later, the PDP denied having a hand in the assassination of deputy Speaker, Obong Okon Uwah, just before the 2015 elections despite open and repeated threats given by its leader and then governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, that anybody seeking elective position without passing through him will die.

Incidentally, soon after the gruesome murder of former deputy Speaker, Obong Okon Uwah, by persons identified as PDP thugs, the same Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umana, immediately released a press statement claiming that the state lawmaker slummed and died during his consultation visit to wards in his area.
However, Police report later countered this false claim, listing suspects involved in the murder to include a serving PDP Vice Chairman of Ukanafun, Mr Effiom Abai, who allegedly led the murdering squad that assassinated Rt. Hon. Uwah.

Culled from The Guide Newspaper

UDOM APPOINTS IWAUDOFIA SPECIAL ASSISTANT ON YOUTH MATTERS

Governor Udom Emmanuel has announced the appointment of Comrade Aniefiok Iwaudofia as Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development and Mobilization (Youth Matters).

The Governor, who officially announced Comrade Iwaudofia’s appointment on Saturday, July 18, 2015, during the Government House Monthly Prayer Meeting, said he was the best choice for the office.

Amongst the Governor’s many laudable actions, the appointment of Comrade Iwaudofia, which is inextricably tied to hard work, humility, loyalty and unparallel self-discipline, has received endless ovations from Akwa Ibom people at home and in Diaspora.

Comrade Iwaudofia, who has been severally described as a round peg in a round hole, until his appointment, was Head, Public Affairs Department of Universal Energy Resources Limited. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Professional Communication from Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; a Post Graduate Certificate in Management Communication from Academy of Management, Lodz, Poland, and a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc Second Class Upper) in Government/Public Administration from Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State.

Having served three consecutive administrations in the state (under Obong Attah, Godswill Akpabio and Udom) spanning a period of 14 years as youth leader, it was gathered that Mr. Iwaudofia, a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and American National Communication Association (NCA), beat two serving Local Government Chairmen and 13 other Youth Leaders in the state to emerge the Governor’s choice for the plump position.

Known for his humility, selflessness, honesty, hard work, focus, discipline, intelligence and commitment to duty, Comrade Iwaudofia, from Ibiono Ibom LGA, is Secretary General of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

A top government source hinted that Mr. Iwaudofia's stint in the private sector, having occupied an enviable position of a Spokesperson (Public Affairs Officer) in an Oil Producing Company, may have influenced the Governor's ‎decision to appoint him as the youth helmsman ahead of others given the fact that the Governor himself came from a private sector.

With unrivalled experience in Youth Affairs, superlative Academic Background/ Exposure and being a purpose-driven individual, there is no doubt that he will add value to the task given him. His appointment is believed to be yet another giant climb that will make Akwa Ibom youths to be more productive, not just in their individual endeavours but also in the areas of sustainable empowerment, training and development.

Investigations revealed that Mr Iwaudofia had in 2001 served as the President, National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students ( NAAKISS WORLDWIDE) , Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Youth Council btw 2002 - 2007, Permanent Member Akwa Ibom Youth Caucus, Special Assistant to the Executive Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council on Youth Matters (2004 -2007)‎, Personal Assistant to the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (2007 – 2010), President, African Graduate Students in Poland - 2008,  Vice Secretary, International Students Union, Clark University, Massachusetts - USA in 2009.

His appointment underscores the Governor's resolve to fix the best and the right persons at various positions of governance and his determination to economically empower, develop and ‎tackle unemployment Head-on and ultimately engage the youths productively.

OKPOLUPM ETTEH: THE AUTHENTIC PARTYMAN

OKPOLUPM ETTEH: THE AUTHENTIC PARTYMAN

By Darlington David

“Today, I feel greatly honoured to address all of you, great colleagues and outstanding men and women, on this auspicious occasion, marking our exit from the Fifth Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as true and faithful representatives. Let me use this opportunity to thank you all for your contributions and support to this House.” This was how the motion for the last sitting, the valedictory sitting, of the Fifth Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly was set rolling by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.

It is difficult to express one’s innermost feelings on the enigma, statesman and partyman par excellence, Rt. Hon. Etteh, as he ends his record-broken tenure in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. It is even harder, for me, to attempt to express an opinion in a single narration. There is always something missing no matter how hard I tried in whatever storyline I picked.

Etteh, a marketer and administrator of note, leaves no one in doubt about his stands and beliefs on issues that have to do with the state and its people no matter how complicated. He stood firmly to be counted when it concerned the welfare of state civil servants. This was seen in the laudable role he played on the Pension Reform Bill of 2006. His unwavering commitment to the ideals of his party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and statehood has been unparalleled, even when he was pushed to the wall to have jumped the boat. He was a member and Chairman of several House Committees and notable among them was the House Committee on Special Projects, Monitoring and Implementation. He was Chief Whip and later Leader of the House. As a leader, he radiated intelligence and exemplary conduct in all his leadership positions, particularly in the House of Assembly.

During the constitution of the leadership of the Fourth and Fifth Assemblies, Etteh, more than any other person, played a key role in the emergence of its Speakers and was also very committed to resolving every impasse. He is such a team player that gives meaning to teamwork hard work.

Etteh, who has been severally described as a go-getter and an unrepentant soldier and defender of the common people, informed all the people that gathered that out of the 35 Bills received by the Fifth Assembly, 23 were passed. He said the House also made 75 Resolutions. As a lawmaker, he was astute and one of the brightest and fertile minds in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

I recalled his show of maturity in the December 8, 2015, Governorship primaries of the PDP that eventually showcase Governor Udom Emmanuel as it standard bearer. A situation he said will never deterred him from the party he loves and believes so much in, one he has worked tirelessly to make sure its structure remains intact. I was deeply touched by this singular act.

He remained an authentic party man who has been consistent in all he does. He has been steadfast and resolute, even to the end of his tenure as a state lawmaker. This is how one of his colleagues and bosom friend described him: “Etteh is a very blunt, frank courageous and fearless lawmaker in this hallowed chamber. Those of us that are really close to him know that he is a leader of leaders. This is what the Sixth Assembly will miss.”

For someone to get such applaudable testimony from a colleague is a confirmation of the fact that in Etteh, a great Iroko stands. For his successor and those who see him as a role model, a huge standard has been set for them to keep abreast.

Aside lawmaking, Etteh is a consummate and passionate man who is always doing his bid for the peace and progress of Akwa Ibom State. In all he did during his stay in the State House of Assembly, he pursued the course for the adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights. As a lawmaker who represented the people of Esit Eket and Ibeno, he has proven himself a worthy son of the area and the state.

After a solemn outpour by members, the Leader of the House wrapped it all by saying “Respectfully, Mr. Speaker and Honourable members, today, I want to do my last assignment in this Assembly. I want to move that this House do adjourn sine die.”

No doubt his tenure in the House of Assembly has been very satisfactory. His contributions aided the many successes of the Third, Fourth and Fifth Assemblies, never given to dishonest political posturing and grandstanding. In all his actions, dignity, integrity and principle, he remained the guiding beacons. Indeed, he has left a positive legacy that the Ettehs of Upenekang, the entire state constituency and Akwa Ibom State will always be proud of. Soar higher, the authentic party man.

David, a media practitioner and consultant, writes from Uyo.

Why Not Onofiok Luke?

Why Not Onofiok Luke?

By N. T. A. Efo

        I had just one encounter and I knew that some legislators, including Onofiok Luke, a lawyer and member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, were in the House of Assembly for serious reasons – to represent their people in the scheme of things in the State; to make extant laws for the people of the State and make sure the executive arm of government performed at the dictates of the people’s conscience.

        It was the day newly appointed commissioners – some were returning – in Governor Godswill Akpabio’s first second term cabinet were before the House for screening. The screening was anything, by any standard, screening.  It was more or less a sing - song afternoon, the lead vocalists being the legislators representing the nominees who in their choruses asked for those they sang for, to be permitted to take a bow and leave.

        It was few days after the Senate in Abuja had screened ministerial nominees. In Abuja, there was screening in all the sense of the word screening.  Though some Senators amongst them were told to take a bow and leave, some of them were still asked some questions pertinent to their nomination.

        You could see how disillusioned. I and some great minded Akwa Ibomites were, to watch the charade called screening at the State House of Assembly. Few people, including Luke, tried to ask questions but were overruled by the Speakers, who most times led the refrain in singing the praise of some of the nominees. On more them one occasion, he had tod the nominees, before putting the vote to the floor; “I know you performed in your office last time.  This time I know you will perform better”.  Who would ever not get cleared before such an Assembly?

        Immediately the charade was over, I called Luke and Bassey Etienam, another lawyer and member representing Urue Offiong Oruko State Constituency.  They had just left my circle in the Forum of Personal Aides to the Governor and moved to higher grounds.  So, I could easily connect with them.  They both picked the calls – they still pick my calls anyway – and based on their answers to my complains about the screening, I knew the duo were in the House for serious business.

Luke told me he had prepared questions for each of the nominees.  He never had the opportunity to ask them. Ditto Bassey. Why? The leadership decided to conduct the screening in a manner that did not allow the House to function, and the public to calibrate the scales of those to secure them.

        There are cries already in the public domain about the quality of representation thrown up by the last election.  Some say most of them can not really point hands to any valuable experience other than God’s favour and political brinkmanship.  In such cases, some believe it is only an experienced, informed, articulate, creative, sound and intelligent leadership that will make the new set of parliamentarians change agents.  Change sweeps across the nation.  All Nigerians yearn for change.  All Akwa Ibom people whether in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, the All Progressive Congress, APC, the Labour Party, other parties and even non-political citizens, yearn for change.  The change we yearn for is not about a change in leadership – though it is very important – but mostly a change in the attitude of leadership – in the things they say; in the things they do and in the things they accomplish.  People keep questioning the rationale behind a new five star hotel in Uyo and the four star hotel in Ikot Ekpene.  Yet, we put money on them and I join in betting that in two years, the two hotels will go under.  Why?  The local economy cannot feed them – with the Le Meridian Ibom Hotel and Resort being in a prime location and unique point to keep floating – not swimming - if you know the challenges of power, management et cetera, facing them. It was the House of Assembly which could have advised the government against such investments but allowed it.  All the Hose needed to do was to set up a team of consultants to look at the pros and cons of such investments and report back to the Executive.  I am sure no team could have adviced them to praise the Executives for such projects.  Ikot Ekpene needed an international market, one probably around Ikot Umo Essien axis where goods from Aba could upload for people to pick them and move them into Calabar, Eket, Uyo and the interlands, much more than a four star hotel.  Who will sleep in those hotels?  Certainly not the local populace who struggle daily to keep body and soul together.  Certainly not also the back up tiny business clan and political heavy weights who will prefer the quiet of the Nwaniba beach front to the noise of the Ikot Ekpene Plaza.

        Anyway, this piece is not about the hotels and some other misplaced investments that have left an opportunity cost in our lives.  There is still poverty glaring in the wanton display of desperation to catch any cash that drops from the Executive table. Tell people money is being shared on Wellington Bassey Way end and see the multitude that will go queue to up sometimes forever.  Sometimes without making a dime at the end.

        The function of the House of Assembly is therefore, very important, in the management of our resources to make sure that the executive gives us our vote’s worth.  We give our vocies to our representatives once we send them to the House.  My voice is now literally bequeathed to Emmanuel Bassey Ekpenyong, member representing Ini State Constituency.  On the national scene, I need to pass all my thoughts to Engr. Iboro Ekanem who will represent Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency and, of course Chief Godwill Akpabio at the Senate.  That is how democracy works. The trio need also to be in constant touch with me and other constituents to feel our pulse on all areas germane to our progress and development.

        It is on this note that I support a vibrant House of Assembly in the coming dispensation.     We have played too much of politics.  We need to move on.  From my fore-arguments, I look forward to a legislator in the mold of Luke to take up the leadership.  Thank God for the rules in the House, Luke belongs to the group of five returning legislators eligible to be voted in as Speaker.  Those who talk of setting aside the rules to allow new members become Speaker do not know how the legislature works.  The clerk cannot preside over such function.  The clerk’s duty is to see to an inauguration and the election of a Speaker.  The law can only be changed after a Speaker has been elected.

        By the zoning arrangement in the PDP, only two legislators are from Uyo Senatorial District.  Aside Luke, there is another lawyer Ime Okon from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.  Like Luke, he is said to be sound, intelligent, matured and experience.  He actually fits the bill the way Luke fits.  But the Speakership is not all about the maturity of age, which many agree Luke also possesses the maturity to the degree of his youth. The maturity of a young man like Onofiok lies in achieving so much in so short a time.  In the achievement lies an experience age cannot bring about.  This is maturity.  An elderly person who has no achievement and experience to colour his conduct in life is not matured.

        For Okon, many say he is being sponsored by the First Lady, Mrs. Uloma Ekaette Akpabio and Sir Emem Akpabio, fondly called the Godfather and the Leader.  For Luke, he is said to be backed by the Governor, the Governor-elect and incoming legislators led by Hon. Nse Ntuen, Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government.  These connections may be mere beer parlor gist though and cannot be taken with a pinch of salt.  But that is what I heard.  I also heard the First Lady-God help her; she’s too mentioned in the whole mix, including the fact that she is to produce a woman Secretary to the State Governor, SSG, from Oron nation; pray what will Udom Emmanuel’s wife produce – is also considering the Deputy Speaker, Udo Kerian Akpan, as an alternative.  Akpan is a good guy, experienced, matured but lacks the moral ground to stand on, being from the same area the Deputy Governor is from.  People are asking whether there is palpable fear that there may be a re-run and in an event Umana Umana wins, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District will be out in the cold. That shows a lack of confidence in the process that produced the Governor-elect and this shouldn’t be.  Afterall, PDP swept all polling units.  I hope nobody is trying to make us believe otherwise. 

Seriously, Luke exemplifies the new Akwa Ibom we envisage.  In Luke’s speakership will Udom succeed? Udom does not need a rubber-stamp house.  He needs a House that will engage him in robust debates which result will benefit all of Akwa Ibom State.  Luke is well concreted to both returning and incoming members of the House.  In this lies a unified House where no caucuses will be formed to the detriment of the new Akwa Ibom which we all envisage.

        Whether or not the aspirants are supported by powerful forces, the final authority lies in the members of the House which I implore to please, set sentiment aside and vote in Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke as the next Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. In Luke will they have their independence and freedom to fully cooperate with the Executive to the full extent of fulfilling their separate powers to the full benefit Akwa Ibom State.

Efo, a public affairs analyst, writes from Uyo