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Akwa Ibom Eyes, Uyo Itam (2026)

02/01/2026

‎Ukpom Abak Day Marks 66th Annual Celebration with Launch of CBT Centre
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‎The ancient town of Ukpom Abak came alive with rich culture, colour and rhythm on Thursday, January 1, 2026, as sons and daughters of the community converged at the Nigerian Christian Secondary School (NCSS), Ukpom, for the 66th annual Ukpom Abak Day celebration.
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‎The landmark event, which blended tradition with development-driven advocacy, featured the launch of a ₦100 million fundraising campaign for the completion of Phase II of the community electrification project and the construction of a Computer-Based Test (CBT)/ICT Centre at NCSS. A special award ceremony also formed part of the programme.
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‎Organised by the Ukpom Abak Development Union (UDU) in collaboration with the Ukpom Traditional Rulers’ Council, the celebration was held under the distinguished chairmanship of Prince Effiong Imeh and attracted a wide array of dignitaries from within and outside Abak Local Government Area.
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‎In his address, the International President of the Ukpom Abak Development Union, Obongunwana (Engr.) Unwana Ibokette, described Ukpom Day as a cherished communal heritage that has endured for nearly seven decades, symbolising unity, shared values and a collective commitment to development.
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‎He expressed appreciation to Ukpom indigenes at home and in the diaspora for the confidence reposed in the current executive council, inaugurated in May 2025, and reaffirmed the EXCO’s resolve to serve selflessly. He highlighted key milestones already achieved, including the abolition of membership registration fees, automatic membership for all Ukpom indigenes, the adoption of a new official Ukpom Day uniform, sustained engagement with public institutions to enhance service delivery and security, and the expansion of UDU chapters within and outside Nigeria.
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‎Engr. Ibokette also disclosed that constitutional reforms were ongoing to align the union with contemporary realities, alongside the formal adoption of the Ukpom anthem and a slight modification of the union’s name to Ukpom Abak Development Union for improved corporate identity.
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‎He noted that the central focus of the 66th Ukpom Day celebration was the establishment of an ICT/CBT Centre at NCSS to better prepare students for emerging national curricula and computer-based examinations, as well as the completion of the community electrification project. He therefore appealed to guests, stakeholders and friends of Ukpom to support the initiatives generously.
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‎Notable personalities at the event included the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, PhD; the Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Barr. Tony Udonsa; and the Leader of the Abak Legislative Council, Hon. Xavier Timothy, alongside traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, youths and women groups.
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‎In his goodwill message, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah commended the leadership of Obongunwana (Engr.) Unwana Ibokette for sustaining the decades-long Ukpom Day celebration and steering the union towards people-oriented development initiatives. He also made a financial donation in support of the ongoing projects.
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‎Similarly, Barr. Tony Udonsa lauded the organisers for their foresight, noting that he had leveraged his office to facilitate the installation of streetlights in some villages within the Ukpom clan. He assured the community that efforts were ongoing to extend the project to the remaining villages and further demonstrated his support with a donation towards the ICT centre project.
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‎The event recorded overwhelming support from dignitaries and well-wishers, who made generous contributions towards the electrification and ICT centre projects.
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‎A major highlight of the celebration was the conferment of a special award of excellence on Professor Hillary Inyang, an illustrious alumnus of Nigerian Christian Secondary School, Ukpom, a renowned scholar and former United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to scholarship and public service.
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‎The celebration also attracted participation from Ukpom villages across other local government areas, including Ikono, Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi, underscoring the unity and shared heritage of the Ukpom people.
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‎Cultural performances added colour and excitement to the occasion, with displays by Ekpo masquerades, Ekpe troupe, Utu-ekpe dancers and various women folk dance groups, providing a fitting climax to the 66th Ukpom Abak Day celebration.

16/12/2025

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‎2027: All the House of Assembly Tickets Are Already in My Pocket – Speaker Udeme Otong Boasts
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‎…says no one will become a House Member without his approval

By Udoma Udofa
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‎One would have thought that with age comes restraint, wisdom and care in public utterances. But for the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, humility appears to have gone on permanent leave.
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‎In a now-viral video circulating widely on social media, the Speaker was seen openly boasting that he has total control of all House of Assembly tickets ahead of the 2027 elections, declaring without hesitation that no one will emerge a member of the House without his approval.
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‎The startling declaration was made when a socio-political group, the Ibom Grassroots Development Initiative (IGDI), paid him a courtesy visit to mark his 2025 birthday at his country home in Abak Itenge.
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‎With confidence bordering on arrogance, the Speaker dismissed the electoral process as a mere formality, insisting that the next elections are already decided long before voters go to the polls.
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‎“There has never been a time I stood for election without people contesting against me. From Afaha-Obong, Abak Urban, Midim, Ediene and Otoro clans, people contested during my first and second terms. Now that I’m going for a third term, people will still contest, but fear not, I will still emerge the winner like before.” he said.
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‎As if that was not enough, the Speaker went further to describe the coming polls as a foregone conclusion.
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‎“My third-term election will be the freest, cheapest and most successful. Before 12 noon, the election will be over.”
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‎However, the most explosive statement came when he openly laid claim to being the sole proprietor of the legislative arm of government in the state.
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‎“All the 26 House of Assembly tickets are already in my pocket, intact. I will be the one to share them to other local government constituencies. I made the negotiations. No one else did. I will personally choose who becomes a House of Assembly member and hand the ticket to the person from my pocket." he bragged.
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‎The remarks have since sparked outrage, ridicule and deep concern among the people of Abak, who view the comments as a direct insult to democracy and the electorate.
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05/12/2025

‎‎Ekpo Masquerade: How Barr. Ekom Nwoko Rescued Tradition in Court
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‎By Atuekong Paul Bassey
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‎The atmosphere inside the premises of Magistrate Court 1, Fulga Road, off Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, was unusually tense on Wednesday as people gathered in large numbers to witness an unprecedented case, the arraignment of an Ekpo masquerade, a figure traditionally revered but now standing trial for alleged misconduct.
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‎According to the motion for remand brought under Section 292 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, the Ekpo was arrested and charged with terrorism and disturbance of public peace, a development that sparked shock and debate. Seated in the dock in full masquerade attire, the defendant became the center of attention as murmurs filled the courtroom.
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‎While many expected the matter to be straightforward, the proceedings took a dramatic turn when Barrister Ekom Nwoko, known for his firm grasp of the law, rose from the Bar. Nwoko, who had come to court for a different matter, announced his decision to represent the defendant pro bono.
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‎His intervention immediately changed the tone of the trial. In a calm but firm submission, Barr. Nwoko urged the court to consider the cultural context surrounding Ekpo masquerades, arguing that the allegations did not meet the legal threshold required to remand the defendant in a correctional facility. He stressed the need to distinguish cultural practices from criminal intent.
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‎Barr. Nwoko referred the court to Section 293 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, urging the court to determine whether there was any probable cause to remand the defendant. He further requested that the court invoke Section 294 of the same law to grant bail, noting the lack of evidence supporting the allegations.
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‎He also asked the court to thoroughly examine the affidavit filed by the prosecution, which, according to him, disclosed no reasonable or probable cause to justify remanding the defendant, especially since the alleged offence did not amount to terrorism.
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‎After considering his arguments, the Chief Magistrate granted bail to the Ekpo masquerade, a ruling that brought visible relief to those present.
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‎In a key directive, the Police Prosecutor was ordered to file a formal charge against the defendant, as the motion for remand was deemed inappropriate for the alleged offence.
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‎However, the matter is far from over. The case has been adjourned to December 19, 2025, for further hearing as the court prepares to review the charges.
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‎The arrest and ongoing trial have continued to spark discussions, with mixed reactions on where the line between cultural heritage and legal boundaries should be drawn.
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‎For now, all eyes remain on the next hearing and on Barrister Nwoko, whose unexpected intervention has become a defining moment in the case.
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01/12/2025

Ekpri Nsukara Youth Council Names Alleged Architect of Smear Campaign Against Village Head

The Ekpri Nsukara Offot Youth Council has identified one Udeme Eyo Asuquo as the individual allegedly behind a coordinated smear campaign against the Village Head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, Obong Emem Asikpo.

In a statement issued in Uyo, the council dismissed recent media publications accusing the Village Head of land grabbing, conspiracy, and attempted murder, describing them as sponsored claims aimed at tarnishing the image of the traditional institution.

The council noted that Udeme had filed two petitions against the Village Head at the Force CID Headquarters in Abuja—first in March and later in August 2025—but said both petitions were dismissed after investigations reportedly found no basis for the allegations.

“Once his petitions failed, he turned to the media to push his claims,” the statement added.

The Youth Council also referenced Udeme’s recent appearance on the Brekete radio programme, where the presenter placed a live call to the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police. According to the council, the Commissioner denied authorising any petition and instructed Udeme to report to his office for clarification—an instruction they say he has repeatedly ignored.

The statement further alleged that several invitations extended to Udeme by the Paramount Ruler of Uyo have gone unanswered, describing his conduct as a clear pattern of evasion.

With formal channels yielding no results, the council claimed Udeme resorted to using Sahara Reporters and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, to amplify his allegations under the guise of activism.

Reaffirming their position, the council stated that recent court rulings have upheld the legitimacy of Obong Asikpo’s leadership, adding that the Village Head remains committed to maintaining peace and order in the community.

They called on security agencies to take note of what they described as a desperate smear campaign built on falsehood and urged the public to disregard the allegations circulating against the Village Head.

Meanwhile, an Uyo High Court presided over by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Bassey J. Ekanem, has delivered judgment in a suit filed by Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo against Udeme Eyo Asuquo, Inspector David Etim, Fortune Bassey, and others, seeking the enforcement of his rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, and freedom of movement as guaranteed under Sections 34(1), 35(1), and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Court held that the arrest and detention of Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo for five days without trial amounted to an infringement of his personal liberty under Section 35(1) and his freedom of movement under Section 41(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It further held that the Police had misused their powers at the instigation of Udeme Eyo Asuquo.

The Court stated that “while the Police have a duty to investigate criminal complaints, this duty must be exercised judiciously and must not be allowed to become an instrument for civil coercion.”

“Having considered the totality of the facts and circumstances of this case, and guided by relevant authorities and constitutional provisions, I find and hold that the complaint made by the 1st respondent (Udeme Eyo Asuquo) to the Police was malicious and made without reasonable or probable cause.

“A detention period of five days is clearly unconstitutional, being far beyond the 48-hour limit. No remand order was shown to exist, nor was any compelling justification offered by the Respondents. In my respectful view, this constitutes a grave and flagrant breach of the Applicant’s right to liberty guaranteed under Section 35 of the Constitution.

“From the totality of the evidence and the law, it is clear that both the arrest and subsequent detention of the Applicant were unlawful. The arrest was effected without adherence to due process or reasonable suspicion supported by facts, while the detention exceeded the constitutional time limit without lawful justification. The actions of the Respondents, therefore, amounted to an arbitrary and unconstitutional violation of the Applicant’s fundamental rights. Accordingly, this issue is resolved in favour of the Applicant,” the judge ruled.

The Court accordingly awarded damages in the sum of N1 million against Udeme Eyo Asuquo for violating the Applicant’s fundamental human rights, and an additional N2 million against Inspector David Etim and Fortune Bassey, jointly and severally, for violating the Applicant’s constitutional rights.

The Court also granted an injunction restraining the Respondents, their agents, and servants from further harassing, intimidating, or threatening to arrest or detain the Applicant in connection with the subject matter of the case.

01/12/2025

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‎Senate President’s Aide Kicks Off Youth Football Tournament in Afaha Obong
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‎The Senior Legislative Aide to Nigeria’s Senate President, Barr. Tony Udonsa, on Sunday performed the ceremonial kickoff of the Afaha Obong Youth Football Competition at the field of Government Primary School, Ikwek.
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‎Addressing the gathering, Barr. Udonsa praised the youths of Afaha Obong Clan for initiating a programme he described as a strategic platform for community bonding and sustained unity. He said the tournament highlights the increasing role of young people in promoting peace and constructive engagement across the community.
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‎He also urged the youths to take greater interest in politics, noting that political participation remains the avenue through which leaders are chosen and key development decisions are shaped.
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‎The Senior Legislative Aide also canvassed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno. He urged the youths to take advantage of the ongoing INEC voter registration exercise to be fully prepared to exercise their civic rights in the 2027 elections.
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‎As a show of solidarity with the organisers and participants, Barr. Udonsa made a cash donation to support the tournament and encourage its continued success.
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28/11/2025

‎Barr. Tony Udonsa Supports Ongoing Road Intervention in Abak
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‎…Donates Bags of Cement
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‎The Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, Barr. Tony Udonsa, has applauded the youths of Abak Village for spearheading the ongoing intervention on the dilapidated Hospital Road.
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‎Udonsa, who visited the project site on Monday, commended the youths for what he described as a rare act of civic responsibility. He noted that their decision to take up the rehabilitation of the failed section of the road particularly the stretch leading to the Abak New Market, reflects strong sense of community resilience.
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‎To support the initiative, the Senate President’s aide donated bags of cement, saying the gesture was aimed at speeding up the work and easing the hardship faced by residents and traders who depend on the route for daily movement.
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‎He added that efforts like this not only improve local access but also complement the government’s ongoing infrastructural interventions.
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‎The youths, excited by the gesture, thanked Udonsa and described the donation as timely and encouraging. They reaffirmed their commitment to completing the project, noting that the intervention would greatly improve access to the market and boost economic activity in the area.
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Barr. ‎Udonsa assured the community of his continued support for initiatives that promote development and enhance communal wellbeing.
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25/11/2025

‎I Was Deputy Speaker at 37, Allow Young People to Lead, Uwem Udoma Tells Abak Elders
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‎A former Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rt. Hon. Uwem Udoma, has urged elders of Abak Local Government Area to allow young people take up leadership roles in the Local Government Area.
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‎Udoma made the call on Saturday during the Abak APC Homegoing meeting held at the Council Secretariat. His remarks, delivered as part of a goodwill message, drew loud cheers from party members and stakeholders who gathered for the event.
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‎The former lawmaker reminded the audience that he attained a principal office in the State Assembly at a relatively young age because older politicians at the time believed in his competence.
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‎“I became Deputy Speaker at 37 because members of the House then saw my potential and trusted me with the responsibility,” Udoma said.
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‎He expressed concern over the growing trend of older politicians dominating leadership contests even when qualified young people are available.
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‎“It is not encouraging that, when opportunities for leadership arise, we see people in their 60s and 70s struggling for positions despite the presence of vibrant young men and women who can serve effectively.
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‎ “We need to give leadership opportunities to the younger generation while we support them with guidance.” he stated.
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‎Saturday’s homecoming meeting attracted a large turnout of party faithful, Political Stakeholders, Appointees of Government, Youth Groups, women groups and community leaders.
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‎The gathering also reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno ahead of the forthcoming elections.
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‎Udoma’s remarks were seen by many as a timely reminder of the need for political renewal and generational inclusion within the APC as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
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23/11/2025

Football Can Change Lives — DJ Brightstar

…explains why he hosted a football tournament

Disc jockey and on-air personality, DJ Brightstar, has shared the inspiration behind the football tournaments he organised for young people in his Akwa Ibom community earlier this year, noting that the initiative was driven by a desire to keep youths engaged and motivated.

He hosted two youth competitions during the Easter period, one in Ikot Eyen Imoh and another in Ikot Ubo Akama, under the banner “Superstar DJ Brightstar Easter Youth Tournament.” The events brought together hundreds of young people in what community leaders described as a unifying and uplifting experience.

Brightstar said the tournaments were his own way of contributing to grassroots development. “Giving back to my people is a mission I take seriously,” he noted. “Football is a tool to unite, inspire, and build confidence in our youth. Many of them just need opportunities to be seen and encouraged.”

He added that the impact of the project extended to local authorities, as the Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area sent him a commendation message through his father.

Encouraged by the positive response, Brightstar is now working on plans for a larger Christmas Youth Tournament in December, which he says will feature more structured activities to better prepare young people for future opportunities both on and off the field.

Known for his work on Inspiration FM, Yanga FM, Base FM, Max FM Lagos, and Diamond 88.5 FM Osun State, Brightstar said his long-term goal is to use sports and entertainment to strengthen community ties.

17/11/2025

IBOM DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, LAGOS

16th November, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

ENOUGH OF THE FALSEHOOD: IBIBIO VANGUARD’S BASELESS ATTACK ON GOVERNOR UMO ENO ON MBOHO PROPERTY IN LAGOS

1. The attention of the Ibom Development Association, Lagos has been drawn to a highly inflammatory and misleading statement issued by a group styling itself as Ibibio Vanguard, a publication laden with falsehoods, distortions, and deliberate attempts to malign the person and office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.
2. Ordinarily, such an emotional, poorly researched, and politically tainted document would not merit a response. However, because it seeks to misinform our people and weaponize ethnic sentiments, we as one of the conciences of the society consider it necessary to place the facts before the public.

3. Following the various unsubstantiated allegations made against Governor Umo Eno, we undertook a thorough independent investigation into the matter concerning Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio's property in Lagos. Our findings clearly reveal that the land in question lacked valid Certificate of Occupancy, had outstanding documentation deficiencies, and fell short of statutory requirements under Lagos State development laws. These issues were known to the affected parties long before the enforcement exercise. It is therefore both dishonest and mischievous for anyone to attribute the regulatory actions of the Lagos State Government to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

4. Furthermore, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), in its official letter dated 1st July 2024, explicitly stated that the affected property, including its fence line, was situated within the designated Right of Way for the Lagos Strategic Transport Master Plan Project and it was taken for overriding public interest.
The agency also appointed a certified RAP Consultant, Dr. Babalola Osho, to interface with all project-affected persons. Not a single section of LAMATA’s communication indicates any involvement, influence, or approval from the Akwa Ibom State Government or its Governor.

5. Contrary to the claims of “silence,” Governor Umo Eno took immediate steps upon receiving a report, seeking clarification and directing proper engagement with the relevant authorities. Leadership is not exercised through media theatrics but through responsible action grounded in verified information. It is, therefore, irresponsible for any group to twist the facts simply to satisfy premeditated political narratives.

6. The attempt by Ibibio Vanguard to drag inter-ethnic relations into their divisive rhetoric is particularly dangerous. The Governor’s attendance at any cultural event, whether Ibibio, Igbo, or otherwise, demonstrates his commitment to unity and peaceful coexistence, values that Akwa Ibom people have upheld for generations. To interpret such goodwill gestures as hostility towards his own ethnic group is a clear display of bad faith.

7. We strongly caution those behind this reckless publication to desist from heating up the polity with baseless accusations. Matters relating to land administration, documentation, and urban development must be treated with due process, not emotional blackmail or political mischief. The dignity and heritage of the Ibibio nation can not and will not be reduced to a tool for political agitation or personal vendetta.

8. The Ibom Development Association, Lagos urges the general public to disregard the misinformation circulated by Ibibio Vanguard. We reaffirm our commitment to truth, unity, and the collective progress of Akwa Ibom people everywhere. We will not stand by and watch our Governor or our ethnic heritage be dragged through the mud for reasons rooted in politics, bitterness, or ignorance.

Signed:

Mbora Effiong
President

Gabriel Udobong
Secretary

01/11/2025

‎Akwa Ibom Traders Remind Gov Umo Eno of Appointment Promise
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‎Traders under the umbrella of the Akwa Ibom Traders Cooperative Association have reminded Governor Umo Eno, PhD, of his promise to appoint three Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) per senatorial district and ten Special Assistants (SAs) per federal constituency across the state.
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‎The reminder was contained in a communiqué issued at the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held recently at the Governor’s Annex, Uyo. The traders recalled that the governor made the pledge during the official flag-off of the Arise Food Security Programme of the State Bulk Purchase Agency at Etaha Itam Market on March 26, 2024.
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‎The communiqué, signed by leaders and stakeholders of the association, commended the governor for his continuous support to traders in the state, particularly through the Traders Support Grants and other empowerment initiatives that have benefited more than 4,000 members.
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‎According to the traders, these interventions have put food on thousands of tables, created wealth, reduced poverty, and expanded the frontiers of commerce in Akwa Ibom State.
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‎They also lauded the governor for the renovation of Akpan Andem Market, the reconstruction of Itam Market, and the approval for the construction of a new international market at Ikot Ekpene, describing the projects as major boosts to the state’s commercial sector.
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‎In their resolutions, the traders announced the appointment of Akparawa Idorenyin Raphael, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Matters, as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, following the passing of the former chairman, Obong Christopher Usoro.
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‎The communiqué further noted that, in recognition of Governor Eno’s developmental strides and inclusive leadership style, the traders unanimously passed a Vote of Confidence on him, adopted him as their sole candidate for the 2027 Governorship Election, resolved to purchase his nomination form with 100 million naira and pledged to mobilize at least one million votes across the 31 local government areas of the state to ensure his re-election for a second term.
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‎According to the communiqué, this decision represents a collective commitment to sustain the progress already witnessed in the state under his administration.
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‎At the national level, the association expressed full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCFR, pledging to mobilize members, particularly in the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, to support their re-election bids in 2027.
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‎Reaffirming their confidence in the governor’s leadership, the traders stated that with Pastor Umo Eno, the future of traders in Akwa Ibom State remains secure, bright, and prosperous.

Akwa Ibom Eyes

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