Ibomplaza News Blog

13/09/2026

Atiku to Tinubu: You removed subsidy, ASUU can't be paid — where is the money?

13/09/2026

GRATITUDE MONTH — DAY TWELVE
COMPASSION, EDUCATION AND A FUTURE OF OPPORTUNITY

Yesterday, 12 September 2026, Governor Umo Eno’s 39-project commissioning series delivered a three-in-one expression of the ARISE Agenda, the handover of two Compassionate Homes to vulnerable families at Nto Edino, Obot Akara, and Ikot Ukpong, Ikot Ekpene, alongside the commissioning of Methodist Model Primary School, Nkari, Ini Local Government Area.

Three events, three locations, but one compelling message: government must care for the vulnerable, invest in the child and build for the future.

The Compassionate Homes represent the human face of governance, providing dignity, shelter and a renewed sense of belonging to families who need a helping hand. They are tangible expressions of Governor Eno’s belief that no citizen should be left behind.

At Nkari, the commissioning of the Methodist Model Primary School speaks to another dimension of that same commitment: giving children access to quality learning environments that can shape their future and, ultimately, the future of Akwa Ibom.

Together, these interventions reflect a government that understands development beyond roads and physical structures. It is about compassion for today, quality education for tomorrow and sustainable opportunities for the generations to come.

Day Twelve reminds us that the true measure of development is not only what is built, but whose life is changed by what is built.

13/09/2026

13/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE
AKPANUDOEDEHE’S FALSE ALLEGATIONS: AKWA IBOM GOVERNMENT WARNS AGAINST INCITEMENT AND THREATS TO PEACE

1. The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to a recent social media video in which Senator John James Akpanudoedehe made grave and completely unsubstantiated allegations against Governor Umo Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel, including the claim that the Governor caused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to seize the former Governor’s Lagos residence. Ordinarily, the Government would not dignify such a tissue of lies with a response. However, given the apparent intention to incite the public and create tension, we have chosen to set the records straight. The allegation is false, reckless and without foundation.

2. For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Umo Eno has never reported anyone to the EFCC. In his words: “I make bold to say that I have never reported anyone, talk more of my predecessor in office, to the EFCC. I stand to be challenged or contradicted.” This categorical position underscores the baseless nature of the allegation.

3. The facts of Governor Eno’s conduct speak for themselves. He has consistently demonstrated respect for his predecessors and made genuine efforts towards reconciliation, including facilitating engagements at the highest levels of government in the country in the interest of peace and political harmony. If Governor Eno were driven by any form of fury, why has he retained most of the persons who served under the former administration? Why has he continued and completed projects initiated by former Governors?

4. Akwa Ibom has moved far beyond the politics of falsehood, blackmail and manufactured controversies. Our people deserve politics that promotes peace, development and responsible leadership—not rhetoric designed to reopen old wounds or set leaders and communities against one another.

5. It is, however, important that Senator Akpanudoedehe does not attempt to rewrite the history of the build-up to the 2011 gubernatorial elections, when violence, destruction and acts of arson resulted in the burning of vehicles purchased for the mass taxi service and damage to public assets, causing serious trauma across the State. Senator Akpanudoedehe was at the centre of those events and was subsequently arrested and prosecuted over allegations arising from the crisis.

6. That history cannot simply be erased. Those who seek political office must also be prepared to answer questions about their own political conduct and the consequences of conflicts in which they played a leading role. The pertinent question is: must Akwa Ibom once again be subjected to the politics of bitterness, destruction and instability orchestrated by one man? Must political ambition again come at the expense of peace?

7. The saying that a leopard does not change its spots is instructive. We would expect the lessons of 2011 to have produced greater restraint and responsibility. Yet, when political rhetoric is again characterised by false accusations, incitement, provocation and attempts to create distrust among the people, Akwa Ibom has every reason to be concerned.

8. While Senator Akpanudoedehe is busy making unfounded allegations, the Government of Pastor Umo Eno remains focused on delivering the ARISE Agenda—roads and bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, Compassionate Homes, agriculture, tourism, aviation and other projects that are positively impacting the lives of our people. The commissioning of 39 projects to mark the 39th anniversary of the State is another opportunity for the people to assess the work being done across Akwa Ibom.

9. The Government respects the constitutional right of every citizen to participate in politics and seek elective office. But political freedom does not confer a licence to spread falsehoods, incite passions or threaten the peace and security of the State. The peaceful disposition of Governor Umo Eno must not be mistaken for weakness, and his commitment to reconciliation must not be interpreted as permission for provocation or destabilisation.

10. We therefore call on Senator Akpanudoedehe and all political actors to exercise restraint and responsibility. Akwa Ibom will not be dragged back into the politics of bitterness, destruction and instability. Government will protect the peace and tranquillity of our State and remain focused on development. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord shall disappoint the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.”

Signed
Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information

September 13, 2026

12/09/2026

12/09/2026

Former PDP Chairman Bamanga Tukur Dies
At 91

12/09/2026

PRESS STATEMENT
𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘, 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗨𝗠
𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗞𝗪𝗔 𝗜𝗕𝗢𝗠 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗦 𝗨𝗦𝗗𝗠𝗣𝗙 𝗥𝗘𝗕𝗨𝗞𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗡. 𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗨𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗗𝗘𝗚𝗛𝗘

The Uyo Senatorial District Media Professionals Forum (USDMPF) notes with concern recent remarks attributed to Senator John James Udoedehe, the ADC gubernatorial candidate, concerning the EFCC, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, his aides, and the administration of Governor Umo Eno.

In the interest of peaceful, credible and inclusive democratic processes, we call on Senator Udoedehe to exercise restraint and uphold the highest standards of decorum in his public statements.

At this important moment in Akwa Ibom State’s democratic journey, we remind all candidates, political parties, supporters, media practitioners and citizens that political competition should be guided by issues, facts and respect for human dignity. Allegations, especially those touching on the integrity of public institutions and individuals, should be substantiated by verifiable facts and not advanced through speculation, insinuation or inflammatory rhetoric.

The allegations made by Senator Udoedehe against Governor Umo Eno and his administration fall flat when tested against the facts and record of governance.

The USDMPF particularly notes that the administration of Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to continuity and inclusive governance by retaining over 80 percent of the cabinet members who served under his predecessor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel, while also appointing several aides and associates of the previous administration to serve under his government.

This is a clear demonstration that governance, in the interest of the people, can rise above personal and partisan considerations. Such inclusiveness should be acknowledged as a strength of the administration, rather than twisted for political purposes.

We underscore that peace is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the presence of dialogue, tolerance, inclusion and mutual respect. We therefore urge Senator Udoedehe and other stakeholders to:

* Refrain from personal attacks, unsubstantiated allegations and language capable of inciting division or undermining public trust.
* Focus campaigns on policies, programmes and the needs of the people.
* Respect the rule of law and the independence of public institutions.
* Engage in constructive debates that enable citizens to make informed choices.
* Promote reconciliation and social cohesion over partisan bitterness.

The era of political subterfuge, misinformation and malicious rhetoric should have no place in a modern, peaceful and democratic society. Akwa Ibom deserves a campaign season marked by decency, dignity, hope and inclusion.

We therefore encourage Senator Udoedehe and all political actors to engage honestly with the state’s development record and offer credible alternatives.

For instance, the Victor Attah International Airport terminal, where the Senator was recently seen smiling and taking photographs with supporters, was completed under the administration he now criticises. Rather than dismissing such achievements, we invite him to also visit the ongoing developments at Arise Park Resort, the International Hospital, the Nsit Atai–Okobo–Oron Road, the hitherto abandoned 200-bed Ibom International Hotel and the 5,000-capacity Uyo International Conference Centre.

He may also follow the ongoing 39-project commissioning trail marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary and assess these projects on their merits. Thereafter, he can present to the people a clear, evidence-based alternative explaining what he would do differently.

Political discourse should be about the quality, sustainability and impact of projects and policies in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, aviation, agriculture and public services, not personal attacks, propaganda or attempts to rewrite the state’s development history.

We call on all stakeholders, political parties, candidates, supporters, media, civil society organisations and citizens, to uphold peace, tolerance, inclusion and respect for human dignity. Let disagreements be expressed without malice. Let campaigns be conducted with decency and decorum.

Those who aspire to lead Akwa Ibom must conduct themselves in ways worthy of the people they seek to lead.

We therefore call on all sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom to choose peace, uphold decorum and place the collective interest of the state above personal or partisan considerations.

Signed:
Clement Warrie
President, Uyo Senatorial District Media Professionals Forum (USDMPF)

Itorobong Umoh-Secretary





12/09/2026

GOVERNOR UMO ENO, PhD, CELEBRATES COMMISSIONER FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT, CAPT. INIOBONG EKONG (Rtd.), ON HIS BIRTHDAY

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has felicitated the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

In a goodwill message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, the Governor commended Captain Ekong for his service first to the nation as a retired officer of the Nigerian Army, and for the part he is playing as a member of the State Executive Council “in our determined efforts to galvanize our people to Arise to a Renewed Hope.”

“As you celebrate your 60th birthday today, I pray that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health, renewed strength and a deeper sense of wisdom.

“Happy Birthday, Captain!”

12/09/2026

ETIMONG hygienic sachet water factory to your doorstep and Stores in Uyo, move to keep you refreshed, delivering purity, quality, and hydration. WATCH & SHARE!

11/09/2026

GRATITUDE MONTH — DAY TEN
A ROAD TO EDUCATION, A GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITY

Yesterday, 10 September 2026, Governor Umo Eno commissioned the 2.1km internal road serving as the main access to Obong University, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, as part of the 39-project commissioning series marking Akwa Ibom at 39.

This is more than another access road. It is a road to education, a pathway to opportunity and a connection to the future. By improving access to Obong University, the project makes movement easier for students, staff and visitors while strengthening the connection between the institution and surrounding communities.

It is another example of the Governor’s understanding that road infrastructure is not only about mobility, it is about connecting people to schools, healthcare, markets, jobs and opportunities.

The is part of the administration’s road infrastructure milestone of 1,340 kilometres of roads and 41 bridges delivered, alongside 43 roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).

As Akwa Ibom continues to develop, these investments in connectivity are helping to open communities, expand access and create the infrastructure on which a more prosperous future can be built.