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Ibomplaza News Blog, Uyo (2025)

20/07/2025

Akwa Ibom Government Dismisses Fresh Talks on 76 Oil Wells.. Cites Supreme Court Verdict

By Mfonobong Ukpong

The Akwa Ibom State Government has responded to renewed public discourse surrounding the ownership of the 76 oil wells earlier in contention, asserting that the matter was conclusively resolved over a decade ago by the Supreme Court.

Addressing the issue on ARISE TV, Sunday morning, the State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah , urged the public to disregard any circulating claims or rumours, emphasizing that the July 2012 ruling of the Supreme Court remains final and binding.

"This is a settled matter. The Supreme Court, in July 2012, ruled on this matter and placed a permanent seal on this conversation. That is the highest court of the land. Once the Supreme Court gives a ruling, it is final. This is not a matter we should even talk about. This is a matter that Akwa Ibom State did not even take to court. I mean it is sealed”, he argued.

The Commissioner also took the opportunity to spotlight the tangible progress being recorded under Governor Umo Eno’s administration, noting that the ARISE Agenda continues to deliver visible results across various sectors of the state.

He highlighted achievements in education, agriculture, rural development, youth empowerment, security, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and road infrastructure, noting that the ARISE Agenda is not just a policy; but a real experience for Akwa Ibom people, as its impacts are being felt across the nook cranies of the State.

Speaking further, Umanah addressed the recent visit by Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and two other Senators from the State to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He described the visit as a strategic move to strengthen ties with the Federal Government for the accelerated development of the state.

He mentioned that discussions during the visit focused on securing federal support for critical infrastructure projects in Akwa Ibom, including the Ibom Deep Seaport and other priority initiatives.

20/07/2025

Senate Asks Senator Natasha To Stay Away
…Says no court order mandates her immediate recall

Following insinuations in some quarters that the court has ordered immediate recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan the Senate on Sunday stated that there is no subsisting court order mandating it to recall the embattled kogi Senator before the expiration of her suspension.

In a statement by Senate spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu,”This clarification becomes necessary following the circulating claims by the suspended Senator that she intends to resume at the Senate next Tuesday based on a misinterpretation of the recent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

“It will be recalled that the Senate had, through my office, issued two public statements following the judgment and the subsequent release of the Certified True Copy of the Enrolled Order.

“In both statements, we made it unequivocally clear that the judgment did not contain any positive or mandatory order directing the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan prior to the end of her suspension.”

Continuing Senator Yemi Adaramodu said,” rather the Honourable Court gave a non-binding advisory urging the Senate to consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which it opined might be excessive.

“The Court, however, explicitly held that the Senate did not breach any law or constitutional provision in imposing the disciplinary measure based on the Senator’s misconduct during plenary.

“Furthermore, the Court found Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt of court and imposed penalties, including a fine of ₦5 million payable to the Federal Government, and a mandatory apology in two national newspapers and on her page. Till date, these directives remain uncomplied with.

“It is therefore surprising and legally untenable that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, while on appeal and having filed a motion for stay against the valid and binding orders made against her, is attempting to act upon an imaginary order of recall that does not exist.

“The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber.”

He added,”We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext, as doing so would not only be premature but also undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process.

“The Senate, as a law-abiding institution, is committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of its proceedings. It will not tolerate the disruption of its proceedings.

“The Senate will, at the appropriate time, consider the advisory opinion of the court on both amending the Standing Orders of the Senate, her recall, and communicate same thereof to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”

20/07/2025

A'IBOM INFORMATION BOSS APPLAUDS NUJ's ROLE IN DEEPENING DEMOCRACY AND GOOD-GOVERNANCE ..as Churchill Udoh becomes South -South Zonal Patron

By Mfonobong Ukpong

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah has commended the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ for its pivotal role in shaping the journalism practice in Akwa Ibom, South -South region and Nigeria at large. He has also acknowledged the union’s consistent support for the Akwa Ibom State government, while suing for the sustenance of the partnership.

Umanah made the commendation, Saturday evening at the NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, off IBB Avenue, Uyo, during the investiture of the CEO of Westgate Group and Chairman, Governing Council of Dakada Skills Acquisition Centre, Obong Churchill Udoh, as Zonal Patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), South-South Zone F.

The Commissioner who served as Special Guest of Honour at the event, had used the opportunity to highlight the sectoral achievements of the Umo Eno-led administration inline with his ARISE Agenda, and acknowledged the partnership and cooperation the government has enjoyed from the media community.

While congratulating the Ibiono- Ibom born entrepreneur on his investiture as NUJ Patron in the South -South zone, State Information mouthpiece described Obong Udoh as a ‘‘go-getter,” very industrious, and a longtime friend. He fondly recalled their days together, where they ventured into business and pursued opportunities in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos forging ideas and building enduring relationships. The Commissioner noted that the new NUJ Patron has paid his dues and truly deserves the honour bestowed on him by the Zone F of the union.

The colourful investiture ceremony attracted media practitioners and dignitaries from within and outside the State.

Goodwill messages were delivered by several personalities, including the member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, the Rector of DASAC, Prof. Enoidem Usoro, and a host of others.

High point of the evening was the formal investiture of Obong Churchill Udoh as NUJ Zone F Patron, led by the Zonal Vice President of NUJ, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, assisted by Commissioner Umanah and other dignitaries.

A commemorative plaque was presented to Obong Udoh, officially confirming his new role as Zonal Patron of Zone F, which comprises Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers States.

In his acceptance speech, the new Zonal Patron expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NUJ leadership in Zone F and the Akwa Ibom State Council for the honour. He pledged his unwavering support to the goals and progress of the Union across the region.

Other personalities in attendance included the International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet; Chairman of Ibiono Ibom Local Government, Hon. Asuakak Umoh, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso, Press Secretary, office of the First Lady, Mrs. Uduak Ekong, Permanent Secretaries in some MDA's, past Chairmen of NUJ, and the entire leadership of NUJ Zone F, media practitioners, friends and associates of Obong Churchill Udoh.

20/07/2025

EXCLUSIVE: Ibibio Ethnic Group Rejects Obolo State Creation

The Ibibio ethnic nationality has firmly rejected the inclusion of any part of its ancestral territory in the proposed Obolo State. This position was presented at the South-South zonal public hearing on the 2025 constitutional amendment, held on July 19, 2024, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, Cross River State.

However, in a detailed memorandum presented to the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee by Dr. Samuel Udonsak on behalf of Ibibio traditional rulers, council of elders, and other stakeholders, the Ibibio people strongly opposed the proposal.

Citing the Nigerian Constitution, the memo noted that:

“The 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Akwa Ibom State, as listed in the First Schedule (Section 3, Part I) of the 1999 Constitution, are Ibibio LGAs, including Eket, Esit Eket, Etinan, Ibesikpo/Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Ikono, Ikot Abasi, Ini, Itu, Mkpat Enin, Nsit Atai, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Ubium, Onna, Uruan, and Uyo.”

The memo further referenced the Gazetted Official Map of Akwa Ibom State, established under the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law No. 10 of April 27, 2023, which delineates the authentic ancestral boundaries of Ibibio lands.

“No village, section, part, or inch of Ibibio land within these LGAs shall be ceded to the proposed Obolo State or any other entity,” the Ibibio delegation declared.

They argued that based on historical facts and colonial documentation, the areas currently occupied by the Obolo people in Eastern Obolo LGA and the Ibeno people in Ibeno LGA were originally Ibibio lands, leased to those communities on a royalty-paying basis.

The Ibibio people strongly oppose the proposal, citing the Nigerian Constitution and the Gazetted Official Map of Akwa Ibom State, which delineates the authentic ancestral boundaries of Ibibio lands. According to the memo, the 31 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Akwa Ibom State are Ibibio LGAs, and no village, section, part, or inch of Ibibio land shall be ceded to the proposed Obolo State or any other entity.

The Ibibio people argue that areas currently occupied by the Obolo people in Eastern Obolo LGA and the Ibeno people in Ibeno LGA were originally Ibibio lands, leased to those communities on a royalty-paying basis. They expressed concern over five coastal and oil-rich LGAs — Esit Eket, Eket, Onna, Ikot Abasi, and Mkpat Enin — which they say are being targeted for annexation into the proposed Obolo State.

The plan to stretch the proposed Obolo State from Oron Federal Constituency through Ibeno to Eastern Obolo is geographically impossible, as these areas lack direct land contiguity. Between them lie Ibibio LGAs, whose ancestral lands cannot and will not be ceded,” the memo stated.

While the Ibibio people affirmed their respect for the self-determination rights of other ethnic nationalities, they maintained that:

“By law, an Oro State is feasible due to the contiguity of its five LGAs, and we do not oppose that. But Ibeno has no contiguity with either Mbo or Eastern Obolo, and Eastern Obolo shares no boundary with Andoni or Ibeno. What lies between them is Ibibio land — and that shall not be violated.”

In conclusion, the Ibibio delegation reiterated in clear terms: “We do not want Obolo State to be created on an inch of Ibibio land.”

The Ibibio delegation argued that the plan to stretch the proposed Obolo State from Oron Federal Constituency through Ibeno to Eastern Obolo is geographically impossible due to lack of direct land contiguity. They emphasized that what lies between them is Ibibio land, and that shall not be violated.

The Ibibio delegation reiterated that they do not want Obolo State to be created on an inch of Ibibio land, emphasizing the importance of preserving their ancestral lands and boundaries. While affirming their respect for the self-determination rights of other ethnic nationalities, they maintained that an Oro State is feasible due to the contiguity of its five LGAs, but Ibeno and Eastern Obolo do not share boundaries with the proposed areas.

19/07/2025

Gov. Eno’s Youth Skills Drive Shines as DASAC Inducts Second Cohort of Trainees

The determination of the administration of Governor Umo Eno to empower the youth of Akwa Ibom State through practical skills and enterprise once again came to the fore on Friday, July 18, 2025, as the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC) formally inducted its second cohort of trainees.

🎈The colourful ceremony, held at the DASAC Auditorium in Ikot Ada Idem, was a celebration of purpose, vision, and people-centered development, core elements of the ARISE Agenda.

🎈Governor Eno, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, described DASAC as more than just a training institution, calling it a strategic engine for sustainable skills development in the state.

🎈The Governor warmly congratulated and commended the new inductees for embracing a pathway of skill acquisition, self-reliance, and responsibility. He announced that job opportunities would be available upon the successful completion of their training, particularly for those who demonstrate commitment and enroll through the State’s employment and procurement portals. He emphasized that the recent expansion of skill areas from five to nine reflects the government’s drive to align training with the actual manpower needs of the State.

“These skill sets align with the intent of the ARISE Agenda, which is development-driven and is propelling massive projects across the state. The training you receive here will be readily harvested and utilized in building” the Governor concluded.

19/07/2025

South African President used 'Juuju' on me - Donald J. Trump

U.S. President Donald Trump has finally opened up about his recent health scare, blaming none other than South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for his condition.

In a press briefing held at The White House on Thursday evening, Trump dramatically declared, “I haven’t been well since that South African chap came to the White House. I think he brought something. Maybe it was in his handshake. It was a very strong, suspiciously strong handshake. Almost like a trap.”

This comes just days after Trump’s medical team announced he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency — a condition affecting blood flow in the legs, and apparently, presidential pride.

“Before Ramaphosa arrived, my legs were perfect. Absolutely beautiful legs. Tremendous. Some even said they were the best presidential legs since Kennedy,” Trump said, slapping his thigh for emphasis. “But after he left? Boom. Swelling. Discoloration. My golf shorts don’t even fit right anymore.”

19/07/2025

NUJ S/South Leaders Laud Gov. Eno as Nigeria’s Development Catalyst

Leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) from the South-South zone have commended Governor Umo Eno for his developmental strides, people-centric leadership and media-friendly disposition, describing him as a true catalyst for development in the south south zone and Nigeria as a whole .

🎈The commendation was made during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for information, Rt.Hon. Aniekan Umanah, friday July 18,2025 ahead of the NUJ Zone F meeting in Uyo. The delegation, led by the NUJ Vice President (South-South), Comrade Opaka Dokubo, included State Chairmen and Secretaries from the six states of the South-South zone, and was accompanied by the Akwa Ibom State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk.

🎈Speaking during the interactive session hosted by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, the zonal NUJ leaders expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress made by the state under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. They lauded the Governor’s inclusive style of governance, openness to the media, and developmental focus, which earned him national recognition as Nigeria’s most media-friendly Governor.

🎈Earlier in the day, Hon. Umanah also held a strategic engagement with a coalition of indigenous newspaper publishers in the state. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to strengthening government–media relations and shared updates on key achievements of the ARISE Agenda.

🎈The evening event—described by Comrade Amos Etuk and Elder Ernest Akpan, Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Media, as a “Happy Hour for Publishers”—was marked by camaraderie and renewed partnerships. Both speakers praised Governor Eno for fostering a media-enabling environment and commended Hon. Umanah for his bridge-building approach to information management.

🎈Over 30 publishers in attendance reaffirmed their support for Governor Umo Eno and lauded his appointment of Hon. Umanah as Commissioner for Information. They pledged continued collaboration in promoting responsible journalism and amplifying the successes of the ARISE Aganda.

18/07/2025

Gim Global, Anietie Udofia informed APC members of Gov. Umo Eno Defection
..Oboetok village commit to governor's reelection

Following the movement of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State to APC, the Nsit Ibom LGA 2023 Champion and Campaigns coordinator, Mr. Innocent Akpan aka Gim Global and Personal Assistant to the governor representing Asang ward 5, Mr. Anietie Udofia gathered party members to update them on the current political development within and outside the state.

They announced that Governor Umo Eno has officially defected to the APC, along with all mechanism of the state government, including the deputy governor, his commissioners, Member representing Nsit Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eric Akpan/state house of assembly members, Executive Chairman of Nsit Ibom LGA,Rt. Hon. Otobong Sunny Aaron/local government chairmen, Political leader of Nsit Ibom LGA, Gen. Paul Isang rtd./ political leaders, councillors, and board members.

Gim Global and the governor aide expressed optimism about the party's prospects, saying the APC would support Governor Eno, President Tinubu, and Senator Godswill Akpabio as they fly the APC flag in 2027.

Also, Chairman of Oboetok Village Council, Rev. Uduak Jackson said that Oboetok village has since become APC stronghold for Pastor Umo Eno PhD and other candidates of the party.

Others who spoke at the sensitization meeting, including Elder Monday Udoh. Obong Emmanuel Okon Udom, Obong Bernard, Youth leader of APC Asang ward 5, Joel Joel aka J.J 1million and woman leader maintained that Oboetok will deliver the three unit in their village for APC, Gov Umo Eno. They thanked their illustrious sons, Gim Global and personal assistant to the governor for hosting the meeting.

Gim Global, who superintended the landing at the meeting, donated 300,000, Mr Anietie Udofia 50,000, Engr. Daniel Sylvanus Asuquo, 100,000, Obong Engr. Udoro Eyo, 50,000 said that this is just a new beginning of Oboetok politics.

The sensitization meeting hosted by Mr. Innocent Akpan aka Gim Global and Mr. Anietie Udofia held at Oboetok on Friday, July 18,2025.

18/07/2025

President Tinubu Assures A’Ibom of Continued Support and Development
…As Senate President, Governor Eno, and Two Akwa Ibom Senators Visit the President

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the continued development of Akwa Ibom State, assuring that the Federal Government will work closely with the state in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the state’s ARISE Agenda.

The President gave the assurance on Friday, July 18, 2025, when he received in audience the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno; and two senators from the state , Senator Aniekan Akpan and Senator Ekong Sampson.

President Tinubu emphasized his dedication to inclusive national development and praised Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda as a strategic complement to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The visit also featured the formal presentation of Senators Aniekan Akpan and Ekong Sampson, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In addition, the delegation used the occasion to commiserate with the President on the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his death as a national loss and acknowledging his legacy in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

17/07/2025

BUHARI WAS A MAN FORGED IN THE FURNACE OF BATTLE, TEMPERED IN THE TRIALS OF GOVERNANCE...Akpabio

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCFR, has described late former President Muhammadu Buhari, as a man forged in the furnace of battle and tempered in the trials of governance.

In his tribute to the former president at the Special Session of the Expanded Special Federal Executive Council Meeting in honour of the Late President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on Thursday at the State House, Akpabio eulogized him for being incorruptible, principled, and unbending.

He said, “There are moments in the life of a nation when she must pause—not out of routine, but out of reverence. Today is such a moment, as we gather in solemn remembrance of President Muhammadu Buhari—a man forged in the furnace of battle and tempered in the trials of governance. A man who gave everything he had to a country that asked everything of him”.

According to the Senate President, “President Muhammadu Buhari was not perfect. No leader is. But he was principled. He stood for something. And in a world where it is easy to chase headlines, he chose instead to chase honor. Where others sought glory, he sought duty.

“As a minister in his cabinet, appointed by him, I saw President Buhari unplugged. He was not flamboyant—far from it. His voice was measured. His steps, deliberate. His public demeanor, austere. But beneath that calm exterior beat the heart of a patriot—unyielding, unbending, and utterly uninterested in personal comfort when duty called.

“He served this nation first in uniform, and decades later, returned to serve it once more—this time in flowing agbada. Whether clad in khaki or in civilian robes, through coups and campaigns, criticisms and crises, he never wavered in his belief in the promise of Nigeria. His legacy is marked by monumental achievements—too many, too vast, and too significant for me to enumerate within the time allotted for this tribute.

“President Buhari did not merely pass through the corridors of power; he left his boots and his imprints in them. He believed that discipline mattered. That integrity mattered. That leadership, even when lonely, must be anchored in something greater than power. He did not seek to ride waves of popular acclaim; he walked, with steadiness and often in solitude, along the ridge of national conscience.

“And let us be honest—he was tough. He was a soldier who did not flinch under fire, a leader who did not flee from responsibility, and above all, a Nigerian whose loyalty to this nation was never up for sale. His toughness was born not of pride, but of patriotism—a fierce, unrelenting belief that Nigeria, with all its challenges, was still worth fighting for.

“And yes, some disagreed with him. That is the nature of democracy. But even his fiercest critics will admit: he did not pilfer the nation’s purse, nor pander to its pleasures. He remained, to the very end, a sentinel of Spartan simplicity and austere integrity.

“His life reminds us of a truth often forgotten in this noisy age—that greatness is not always loud, and that history, in its wisdom, sometimes reserves its most solemn applause for those who labored not for fame, but for legacy.

“Let it be said by generations to come, that a man once walked this land with a firm gait, a steady gaze, and an iron sense of duty. His name was Muhammadu Buhari. May God bless his memory. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he submitted.

17/07/2025

A SENTINEL OF DUTY: TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

My speech today, at the Special Session of The Expanded Special Federal Executive Council Meeting in honor of the Late President Mohammadu Buhari, GCFR.

My fellow Custodians of the Republic,
There are moments in the life of a nation when she must pause—not out of routine, but out of reverence.

Today is such a moment, as we gather in solemn remembrance of President Muhammadu Buhari—a man forged in the furnace of battle and tempered in the trials of governance. A man who gave everything he had to a country that asked everything of him.

President Muhammadu Buhari was not perfect. No leader is. But he was principled. He stood for something. And in a world where it is easy to chase headlines, he chose instead to chase honor. Where others sought glory, he sought duty.

As a minister in his cabinet, appointed by him, I saw President Buhari unplugged. He was not flamboyant—far from it. His voice was measured. His steps, deliberate. His public demeanor, austere. But beneath that calm exterior beat the heart of a patriot—unyielding, unbending, and utterly uninterested in personal comfort when duty called.

He served this nation first in uniform, and decades later, returned to serve it once more—this time in flowing agbada. Whether clad in khaki or in civilian robes, through coups and campaigns, criticisms and crises, he never wavered in his belief in the promise of Nigeria. His legacy is marked by monumental achievements—too many, too vast, and too significant for me to enumerate within the time allotted for this tribute.

President Buhari did not merely pass through the corridors of power; he left his boots and his imprints in them. He believed that discipline mattered. That integrity mattered. That leadership, even when lonely, must be anchored in something greater than power. He did not seek to ride waves of popular acclaim; he walked, with steadiness and often in solitude, along the ridge of national conscience.

And let us be honest—he was tough. He was a soldier who did not flinch under fire, a leader who did not flee from responsibility, and above all, a Nigerian whose loyalty to this nation was never up for sale. His toughness was born not of pride, but of patriotism—a fierce, unrelenting belief that Nigeria, with all its challenges, was still worth fighting for.

And yes, some disagreed with him. That is the nature of democracy. But even his fiercest critics will admit: he did not pilfer the nation’s purse, nor pander to its pleasures. He remained, to the very end, a sentinel of Spartan simplicity and austere integrity.

His life reminds us of a truth often forgotten in this noisy age—that greatness is not always loud, and that history, in its wisdom, sometimes reserves its most solemn applause for those who labored not for fame, but for legacy.

Let it be said by generations to come, that a man once walked this land with a firm gait, a steady gaze, and an iron sense of duty. His name was Muhammadu Buhari.

May God bless his memory.
May God bless the Republic he served.

17/07/2025

Is that cleared…

Ibomplaza News Blog

20/07/2025

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