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Economy

Gov. Emmanuel assents to N700bn Appropriation Bill

Gov. Emmanuel assents to N700bn 2023 Appropriation Bill

Uyo, Dec. 30, 2022 (NAN) Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has assented to the 2023 Appropriation Bill of N700 billion as passed by the State House of Assembly.

Mr Ini Ememobong,Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said this while briefing newsmen at the end of the State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Uyo on Friday.

Ememobong said the 2023 appropriation bill signed into law by the governor comprised recurrent expenditure of N344 billion and capital expenditure of N356 billion .

The commissioner added that the council had given approval for the extension of retirement age for teachers in  government employment from 60 to 65 years, effective from  Dec. 30.

He said the council had also approved the release of N675 million for the payment of 2019 leave grant to teachers in government employment.

” Exco also granted approval for the employment of 1, 000 junior workers into the state civil service.

“Exco also granted approval for the training of 2, 000 youths in Maritime Safety and Surveillance, to be undertaken by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.”he said.

He added that approval was also granted for the award of contract for the construction of 6.1km Shelter Afrique/Nnung Ette flood control tunnels in Uyo and Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Areas and construction of 9.0km Ikot Ada idem- Ediene Ikot Obio Imo-Ikot Oku Ikono road in Ibiono Ibom and Uyo LGAs.

According to the commissioner, Emmanuel assured that he was unrelentingly committed to the execution of all projects and charged all council members to redouble their efforts in the delivery of their respective ministerial mandates. (www.nannews.ng)

IE/ACA/BHB

Edited by Chidinma Agu/Buhari Bolaji

General news

Gov. Emmanuel calls on political class to exhibit decency in 2023

Gov. Emmanuel calls on political class to exhibit decency in 2023
Hope
By Isaiah Eka
Uyo, Dec. 25, 2022 (NAN) Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, has called on the political class and stakeholders to conduct themselves during this period of transition with utmost decency and circumspection. 
 
Emmanuel said this in his Christmas message broadcast to Akwa Ibom people on Sunday in Uyo to mark the 2022 Christmas season.
 
“Leadership demands of us a certain display of wisdom and tact. Leaders should not burn down the homes they had built, should not ignite violence through the words of their mouth.
“Leaders don’t engage in peddling falsehood and misinformation, neither do they deploy violence as a means of getting elected into political offices.
“Leaders do not attack and insult the very institution and the symbol they aspire to represent. Leaders  should and must understand that the cords of our unity of brotherhood and of our common patrimony remain enduring and rock-solid, and that political foes you know today may be your allies tomorrow,” Emmanuel said.
Emmanuel also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful as the world celebrates the season of inspiration and hope during the period of Christmas.
He said that the birth and teaching of Christ have given generations of believers faith and direction and brought to the world love and kindness.
“This humble beginning of the greatest mission of salvation, love, and healing makes every Christmas a season of hope for those who are down; a season of inspiration for those who are confused and a season of love for those who feel rejected.
“If his birth gave us hope, his life and luminous teachings have given generations of believers faith and direction and bathed the world with the comforting knowledge of God’s unconditional love, tender-mercies, amazing grace and loving kindness.
“Today, we join the world in giving thanks for the Birth of His only Son, the Centre point of human history,” Emmanuel said.
The Governor thanked resourceful people in the state, who made governance easier for him since he took the mantle of leadership in 2015.
He said that the state has remained one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the peace experienced to the glory of God Almighty and the security agencies operating in the state.
He urged the people to continue to maintain the peace and make the state safe as this has attracted investors and visitors.
The governor, who reminded Akwa Ibom people that this is his last Christmas message to them, appealed to the people to extend the loyalty and support given to him to the next governor, who will emerge on May 29, 2023.
Emmanuel said in spite of the challenges of battling with two recessions, falling oil prices and COVID-19 pandemic, the state under his watch has performed creditable well.
“To the glory of the Almighty God, we still remain one of the safest States in the nation, where residents live in peace and harmony; where our people can travel from Uyo to Ikot Ekpene, from Ikot Ekpene to Ibeno, from Ibeno to Ini at any given hour.
“Fellow Akwaibomites, you will recall that we came with a Christian heart and mind to lead you  with love and tolerance, with humility and abiding faith in our capacity to rise to the faith of our greatness.
“We came to change the tone and tenor of our engagements and to show that power and all the paraphernalia that come with it, belong to God and not man. We came, not to blow our trumpet, but to let the works of our hands speak for us.
“Today, I can raise my hands and say to the Almighty God, ‘thank you for what you have done for us.’ Today, in aviation industry, Akwa Ibom State leads the nation with Ibom Air,” he said.
The governor urged the people to protect the achievements, leverage on them and  continue the building blocks rather than destroy them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IE/VAO
Edited by Vincent Obi
Defence/Security

2 Brigade NA fetes orphans, teachers, assures of adequate security in A’Ibom

2 Brigade NA fetes orphans, teachers, assures of adequate security in A’Ibom

Brigade

Isaiah Eka

Uyo, Dec. 24, 2022 (NAN) The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in line with the yuletide celebration, has distributed food items worth millions of Naira to Holy Child Orphanage in Uyo.

Similarly, the Command also distributed food items to teachers and staff of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NOWA) primary school, 6th Battalion in Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area.

Speaking during the donation of the items on Friday in Uyo, the Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, said the gesture was in continuation of strengthening the civil-military relationship.

Wase, who was represented by Lt.-Col. Michael Inyang, the Commanding Officer of 561 Brigade Signal, 2 brigade, assured Akwa Ibom people of adequate security during the yuletide.

The commander appealed to all the residents to celebrate the season with love and fear of God, and remember the less privileged during their celebrations.

“We have distributed food items and other materials to the orphanages and teachers of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association school.

“It is all part of our Exercise Still Water, which is ongoing in the state and it is also part of Civil-Military Cooperation, which is to draw the people close to the military to assure them of our commitment to secure them and also secure the state.

“So, we want to urge the general public that the military is always committed to assisting them in securing the State and based on the fact that the festive period is here.

“If they suspect any suspicious activity within their area, they should report to either the military or other security agencies so that we can be able to assist them,” he said.

In her remarks, the NAOWA Coordinator in Akwa Ibom, Mrs Halima Wase, who was represented by Mrs Margaret Abbey, NAOWA Public Relations Officer, said they came to appreciate the teachers on their successful completion of the first term.

The NAOWA coordinator thanked the teachers for their sacrifice to train the pupils and bring them up in the proper way to become better Nigerians.

“I just want to appreciate the Brigade Commander on behalf of NAOWA, 2 brigade for a successful end of the year, and also we appreciate the teachers, the head teacher for making sure the pupils have a wonderful term and session and also for the supports for this festive period,” she said.

Responding on behalf of the benefiting teachers, the Head Teacher, Mrs Bessy Affia, thanked the Commander, officers, and men of the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army for the show of love.

“On behalf of all the teachers in this school, the teaching, and non-teaching staff, I am standing here in one mind, in one heart, in one agreement to say God bless you, and God bless our Commander and the wife.”

On her part, Rev. Sister Matilda Inyang, in charge of Holy Child Orphanage, commended the army for remembering the children, particularly in this period, praying to God to bless and reward them.

Speaking on behalf of the Children in the Orphanage, Mr Joseph Mboku, thanked the army for putting smile on their faces in this Christmas period and asked God to bless and give them strength to continue securing the nation.(NAN) (www.nannews. ng)
IE/IS
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Defence/Security

FRSC deploys 584 personnel in A’Ibom 

FRSC deploys 584 personnel in A’Ibom
Personnel
Isaiah Eka
Uyo, Dec. 22, 2022 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Sector Command of  Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 584 personnel to ensure safety on highways during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Sector Commander, Mr Matthew Olonisaye, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Thursday.
Olonisaye said 584 personnel including Special Marshals have been strategically deployed for traffic contro along major routes in the state.
He added that 11 patrol vehicles and two ambulances were also deployed for effective coverage of all critical areas, while tow trucks to clear any obstruction during the period had been provided.
The sector commander warned drivers and all road users to celebrate with caution and avoid speeding, adding that only the living celebrate.
Olonisaye said that the command had mounted aggressive public enlightenment campaigns in all motor parks to urge drivers to adhere to road safety rules and regulations.
He said that the safety awareness campaign was also been conducted in churches, mosques, markets and schools, in addition to road shows to sensitise the general public on the need to ensure safety while using the road.
He said that the efforts were in line with the Corps’ strategic goal of 15 per cent reduction in road traffic crash fatality and ensuring free-flow of traffic for ease of doing business.
“To enhance road safety partnership for innovative intervention, relevant stakeholders and sister agencies are engaged in road safety activities and programmes with the aim of keeping our roads safe.
“We wish to alert the motoring public on the perceived road hazards associated with yuletide periods characterised by increased vehicular movement and human traffic, as individuals travel for one event or another both within and outside the state.
“Critical offences such as speeding, dangerous driving, overloading, route violation, lane indiscipline, use of phone while driving, drunk driving will not be tolerated,” Olonisaye said.
Olonisaye therefore urged drivers to cultivate the habit of being patient, to avoid accidents.
He advised drivers on night journey to use lower beams and keep headlamps properly focused, avoid looking directly into the lights of oncoming vehicles, and slow down when facing glare from headlights.
“More so, when driving in unfamiliar or on bad roads, be alert to traffic signs, signals and markings communicating certain road characteristics and features, obey applicable speed limits, reduce speed or apply common sense speed limit.
“Remember, life has no duplicate, so we must strive to consciously protect and safeguard our lives, especially while using the roads, realising that our family members, friends and well-wishers eagerly wait to receive and welcome us back home alive.
“The general public are to remain active by observing traffic rules and regulations and reporting road and other emergencies promptly to the FRSC toll free line – 122,” he said.
The sector commander appealed to all road users to ensure total obedience to traffic rules and regulations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IE/MZA
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed
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General news

Gov. Emmanuel to restore power supply, complete ongoing road projects in Ika

Gov. Emmanuel to restore power supply, complete ongoing road projects in Ika
Power
Isaiah Eka
Ika (Akwa Ibom), Dec. 22, 2022 (NAN) Gov Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has assured the people of Ika Local Government Area of constant power supply upon completion of the ongoing Etim Ekpo electricity substation before 2023.
Emmanuel gave the assurance on Thursday while speaking at the funeral of Eno Nwoko, mother of Mr Uwemedimo Nwoko, former Attorney General of Akwa Ibom.
 
The governor said his administration would complete all ongoing road peojects in Ika before the end of his tenure.
“I’m very aware as the governor that Ika has no light and it is not the fault of government. When I became governor in 2015, we drew power straight from Abak to this place, but the cables and poles disappeared overnight.
“Now, I’ve brought a substation to Etim Ekpo and they are constructing it day and night because I want to commission that substation before I leave office.
“I want to make sure before I leave office, Ika, Etim Ekpo, part of Oruk Anam and other areas that are affected, are hooked on to that substation and be given light on a very regular basis,” Emmanuel said.
He called for responsible followership and cooperation with the government and cautioned the people of the area to step up vigilance against vandalism and theft of public amenities and infrastructure provided for the good of all.
Emmanuel said the state government benefitted immensely from the ingenuity of members of the bereaved family and attributed the goodness exhibited by the former Attorney General, while working with him, to the ideals of the family.
In a message of appreciation on behalf of the bereaved family, the family head, Mr Iniobong Nwoko, thanked God for his grace and mercies throughout the period of grief.
Nwoko thanked the government, the PDP leaders and people of Ika,  Redeemed Christian Church of God and all for standing by them throughout the period of grief.
The former Attorney General of Akwa Ibom, Nwoko, expressed gratitude of his family to the governor for the honour and support bestowed on the family. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IE/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
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Economy

A’Ibom Assembly passes N700bn 2023 budget

Budget

By Isaiah Eka

Uyo, Dec. 15, 2022 (NAN) Akwa Ibom House of Assembly passed the state’s N700 billion 2023 budget into law on Thursday in Uyo.

The budget is made up of N344.005 billion recurrent expenditure and N355.995 billion capital expenditure.

The House increased the Executive’s proposal by 0.4 per cent, following a report by the Chairman, Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Uduak Odudoh.

Gov. Udom Emmanuel proposed a budget of N697.005 billion on Nov. 7 for consideration by the House of Assembly.

The House urged the Executive arm to ensure prompt and commensurate release of funds to ministries and agencies for the execution of projects and programmes in the budget.

The Speaker, Mr Aniekan Bassey, in his remarks, commended the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for the quick passage of the budget.

He said the Assembly would continue to build a robust and impactful relationship with other arms of government to foster development and growth in the state.

Bassey commended ministries and government agencies that defended their budgets.

Meanwhile, the House adjourned its plenary session to reconvene on Jan. 5, 2023. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IE/ALLI

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Edited by Alli Hakeem

 

Defence/Security

NSCDC warns vandals against destruction of critical infrastructure in A’Ibom 

Infrastructure

 

By Isaiah Eka

 

Uyo, Dec. 14, 2022 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Command, says it has deployed enough personnel to secure critical infrastructure across the state.

 

The Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Mr Suleiman Mafara, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Wednesday.

 

According to the commandant,  the infrastructure belonging to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

Mafara said that there was an urgent need for the Command to be proactive and plan ahead to ensure safety of government critical infrastructure in the state as the Yuletide was fast approaching.

 

The commandant warned hoodlums and criminals to stay clear of INEC facilities and other critical infrastructure in the state, adding that anyone caught destroying government’s facilities would be dealt with decisively.

 

“Right now, we are in the period of elections and the NSCDC has the mandate to ensure that the 2023 elections hold peacefully in all parts of the country as arranged by INEC.

 

“The protection of the facilities is considered very critical to the successful transition of power.

 

“For this reason, the Command in conjunction with sister other security agencies has deployed its personnel to beef up security in all INEC facilities in Akwa Ibom.

 

“We can assure the good people of Akwa Ibom that INEC facilities in the state are safe; our personnel are there and are working around the clock to make all facilities safe.

 

“ Hoodlums should stay clear of these facilities,’’ Mafara warned.

 

The commandant said that the command would not relent in ensuring that bunkering of petroleum products was eliminated.

 

He added that the agency was working hard in collaboration with other security agencies and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to achieve success.

 

He appealed to Akwa Ibom people to furnish the command with adequate information on where they suspected illegal activities were taking place within their environments for prompt action.

 

“We have no fewer than 60 personnel manning the oil pipelines across the state to forestall any vandalism of the critical infrastructure and ensure safety.

 

“We also ensure maximum security for oil facilities and expatriates working in the facilities, our personnel are also safeguarding power infrastructure in the state,” he said.

 

The state commandant warned the public against dealing in adulterated petroleum products and vandalism of transformers and electrical installations in the state.

 

Mafara also warned unregistered Private Guard Companies (PGCs) to stay clear of the state stressing that the command would not tolerate any illegal operators there.

 

He noted that last week, two private guard companies were apprehended for extending their services to the state without fulfilling the laid down regulations.

 

“The business of operation is that anytime you extend your services to other states, you must make yourself known, you must register, and you must declare your operations, so that monitoring your activities can be effective.

 

“Basically, the role of PGCs at all times is to provide security, protection and information, quality intelligence since they operate in locations of government and private units in every sphere of occupational engagements.

 

“Through training and oversight supervision activities of NSCDC, they are imbued with cutting edge competence skills and capacity enhancement.

 

“The concept is in tandem with emerging global trends in the area of public-private partnership to provide security and contain insecurity in the country,” he said.

 

He said that the NSCDC would not tolerate any unregistered private guard company in the state, especially due to security challenges confronting the country.

 

He urged private individuals and organisations wishing to hire private security guards to cross check with the NSCDC to ensure that they were registered. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

IE/GOM/PAD

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Peter Dada

Politics

INEC tasks stakeholders on collection of PVCs in A’Ibom

PVCs
By Isaiah Eka

Uyo, Dec. 13, 2022 (NAN) Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders in Akwa Ibom to sensitise residents on the need to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs), ahead of the 2023 general elections.

 

INEC National Commissioner, Mrs May Mbu, stated this in Uyo on Tuesday during the INEC-Akwa Ibom Stakeholders’ Forum, preparatory to the 2023 general elections.

 

Mbu, who noted that the rate of PVC collection in the state was ‘abysmally slow’, appealed to all the stakeholders, especially political parties, to spread the information on PVC collection to the people.

 

“I am indeed very delighted today to meet with our stakeholders in Akwa Ibom for the first time. This is a very auspicious time, considering the proximity of 2023 general elections.

 

“The statutory notice of the elections has been duly given and activities have begun in full force, although the commission is not happy with the burning of some of our local government offices in some states.

 

“Since the commission published the notice of elections on Feb. 28, activities have commenced in full force.

 

“Already, we are at the most critical stage in the implementation of the activities in the timeline, timetable and schedule for the general elections.

 

“One major reason for this occasion is to use the opportunity to tell stakeholders, traditional rulers, security personnel, politicians, intended voters and indeed, everyone in Akwa Ibom that the pace of collection of PVCs is abysmally slow.

 

“We want stakeholders to take up the responsibility of spreading the information far and wide. Everyone must go to collect their PVCs.

 

“The commission is working round the clock to make sure that these PVCs get to every registrant so that no one will be disenfranchised.

 

“I’m made to understand that steps have been taken to ensure that there is reasonable security across our offices in this state and I thank the various security agencies in the state for this.

“However, please do not relent in re-enforcing the security around our personnel, state and local government offices,” she said.

 

Mbu said that INEC, on its own part, was making steady progress in other critical areas in preparation for the elections.

 

He highlighted the areas to include: provision of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, recruitment of ad hoc staffers as well as planning for movement of personnel and materials for the elections.

 

Earlier in his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Cyril Omorogbe, said the forum would afford the stakeholders the opportunity to exchange ideas on how to achieve free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

 

Omorogbe assured people of the state that the commission would ensure that no one was disenfranchised as far as the collection of PVCs was concerned in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IE/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Defence/Security

NDLEA nabs 60 drug suspects, secures 11 convictions in A’Ibom 

 

Suspects

By Isaiah Eka

Uyo, Dec. 12, 2022 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom Command, says it  has arrested 60 drug suspects and secured 11 convictions in the last three months.

NDLEA Commander in Akwa Ibom, Mrs Obot Bassey, gave the figures in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Uyo.

Bassey said that apart from the 11 convictions secured, several cases were still pending and were undergoing prosecution at different stages in court.

She said that efforts must be prioritised to create awareness on the devastating consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking on youths and society, especially during this Yuletide.

“As I explained to you, between September and now, we have seizure of over 150kg just within the period under discussion, in terms of drugs and psychotropic substances seized.

“We have arrested over 60 suspects and convicted no fewer than 11. Similarly, over 42 drug suspects were counselled while more than 10 others were rehabilitated.

“We are doing a lot of sensitisation, like yesterday, I was with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) sensitising the Church on the dangers of latest drug in town called fentanyl.

“It is an opioid and is supposed to be used for surgery for the relief of severe pains,” Bassey said.

The official stated that during the period, the command also made a seizure of about 90kg of amphetamine substance, describing it as very deadly and should not be found on the street.

Bassey said that the command was doing everything possible to mop up all the hard drugs and psychotropic substances from the street, to ensure a hitch free Yuletide.

The commander appealed to multinational organisations, philanthropists and all individuals to join hands with the NDLEA, to reduce drug abuse and trafficking to the barest minimum in the state.

“So, I am using this medium to tell the entire Akwa Ibom people to look for all substances that are not supposed to be consumed and keep the NDLEA posted on these substances.

“They must also report any suspected environment or neighbours doing any illicit drug trading or abuse to the agency,” she said.

On her projection for 2023, the NDLEA commander said the command would sweep the state clean of drug trafficking and  abuse.

She emphasised continued sensitisation of the public on what drug is, drug abuse and misuse.

Bassey identified one of the major challenges confronting the agency in the state as lack of logistics vehicles to cover the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom.

According to her, when drug menace is curbed, insecurity will be reduced to the barest minimum. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IE/FLP/CHOM

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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Chioma Ugboma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defence/Security

Police nab 3 suspects who allegedly robbed NYSC members in A’Ibom 

Police nab 3 suspects who allegedly robbed NYSC members in A’Ibom

Suspects
By Isaiah Eka
Uyo, Dec. 8, 2022 (NAN) The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has arrested three suspects who allegedly robbed corps members at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) lodge in Uyo on July 6.

The command Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, said in a statement in Uyo on Thursday that the suspects allegedly confessed to the crime.

“Recall that sometime on July 6, at about 01:30a.m, suspected armed robbers invaded the NYSC lodge, located at Udo Ekong Street, off Information Drive in Uyo LGA.

“They damaged the doors of the partially fenced building and dispossessed corps members of their phones, jewelleries, physical cash and other valuables.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, who at the time personally visited the scene in company of the state NYSC Coordinator, vowed to bring the perpetrators to book,” he said.

Macdon said that the suspects were arrested following meticulous investigation.

“The Anti-Robbery Squad of the Command arrested the suspects who have been on the run and responsible for terrorising Aka community and environs.

“Suspects confessed to being responsible for the said robbery.

“Made many stunning revelations including their membership of a confraternity, and mentioned other members of their gang now at large,” he added.

The spokesman said the CP had vowed to track and arrest other suspects still on the run.

Macdon also said a man who allegedly impregnated a minor and murdered her was also arrested by the police.

He said that the suspect impregnated the 13-year-old girl and secretly procured an abortion for her, but she died in the process.

The spokesman said the commissioner of police has directed that the case be transferred to the homicide section for discreet investigation.

He called on parents to pay more attention on the whereabouts and behaviours of their children to prevent sexual abuse and social vices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IE/CEO/MZA

Edited by Chidi Opara/Maharazu Ahmed