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Tuesday, 2 March 2021

NDDC: Imo State Governor charges stakeholders on peaceful coexistence for more development

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has called on all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to work with the Niger Delta Development Commission in its efforts to develop the region. Senator Uzodinma was speaking when the Interim Administrator of the interventionist agency, Mr. Efiong Akwa, led a team of the Commission’s directors on a courtesy visit to Government House, Owerri.

No Bench Warrant against NDDC Interim Administrator – Senator Nwaoboshi

Barr. Effiong Akwa, NDDC Sole Administrator

Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, has refuted reports that the Senate issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Interim Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Efiong Akwa.

Senator Nwaboshi, who was speaking during the oversight visit of the Senate Committee at the new NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, described the reports as untrue, saying that he was reliably informed that no such order was issued.

“The Interim Administrator has been reaching out, communicating and discussing with the Senate," he stated, adding: "He opened discussions with us. We are happy that he accepted that there is need for cooperation and collaboration for Niger Delta to move forward.”

The Senate Committee chairman, however, disclosed that the Senate was still investigating the issues connected with the NDDC COVID-19 palliative funds, adding: "We are aware that the NDDC Interim Administrator was not part of the NDDC leadership team at the time."

He stated that the NDDC boss was appointed Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Commission in August, 2020, "a month after the National Assembly began probing the matter. He was not a party to any of the transactions on the palliatives."

Sen. Nwaoboshi also expressed delight over the completion of the NDDC permanent headquarters, noting that the Committee had appropriated N16 billion for the completion of the headquarters building.

He stated: “We are happy to sit at the headquarters today. We have come to see how the money has been used in executing the project. We want to know whether the money has been well utilized. And I want to state that we are happy with what we have seen. The money has been well utilized."

Welcoming members of the Senate Committee, to the NDDC permanent headquarters, Mr. Akwa commended the Committee for their unflinching support for the NDDC, noting that the support was critical for the development and progress of the Niger Delta region.

Akwa said: "For about a year we had misunderstanding with some members of the National Assembly. The members are noble men and they had to bend backwards to bury the hatchet in the interest of the region. When I went to the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives to defend the 2020 budget, they cooperated with us. I assured them that we will insist on doing the right thing at the NDDC."

The Interim Administrator later took members of the Senate Committee on a tour of the newly completed headquarters complex.

Monday, 16 September 2019

ADMISSION OPENS INTO ND/HND PROGRAMMES AT UYO CITY POLYTECHNIC

The new management of Uyo City Polytechnic, Nduetong Uko, led by Dr. Emmanuel Ekott, Chairman of Heritage Polytechnic, Eket, hereby calls for application from candidates for admission into Uyo City Polytechnic for the following courses and programmes.

AGAIN, AKPABIO THREATENS THOMAS THOMAS OF GLOBAL CONCORD

AKPABIO, HIS THREATS AND GLOBAL CONCORD'S HEADLINES

By Thomas Thomas

He that is down needs fear no fall
He that is low, no pride
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide

I am content with what I have
Little be it or much
And, Lord, contentment still I crave
Because thou savest, such.
- John Bunyan (1628 - 88).

RT.HON.SAMUEL IKON: 12 YEARS OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICE TO HIS PEOPLE

FOR THE RECORDS 2007-2019

The duties of a legislator is to make laws and effectively represent the people, who gave out the mandate. The legislative journey of Rt.Hon.Samuel Ikon started in 2007,when he was elected into the 4th Akwa Ibom State House Assembly to represent Etinan State Constituency.

COMMODORE EFFEDUA’S RESTRUCTURING AGENDA IN MARITIME ACADEMY OF NIGERIA: WHERE MASTER MARINERS’ PRESIDENT GOT IT WRONG

By Chukwuma Awaziema

Whatever his ultimate intention may have been, the recent statements in the media credited to the President, Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Captain Tajudeen Alao, calling on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to conduct an audit exercise on the academic staff of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron can best be described as hollow,preemptive, presumptuous, and therefore baseless because he grossly lacked the facts and knowledge of what presently is going on in the Academy to have reached such hasty conclusions.

Speaking to maritime journalists in Lagos over the weekend, Capt, Alao became a cheap victim of assumption as he went beyond his safe limits by making insinuations about how a graduate of geography is teaching Nautical Science in the Academy; the reason he perhaps recommended that an audit exercise be conducted. In that unnecessary interview entitled, “Master Mariners Seek Audit of Maritime Academy”, Captain Alao is quoted to have said: “You cannot be a referee in a game you know nothing about. Whoever must teach Nautical Science, that person must be a Master Mariner. There are courses you must score 60 and sometimes 80 percent before you are considered to have passed. As a Director of Nautical Science, you must be able to know about the challenges that come with such responsibility”.

By any consideration, Capt. Tajudeen Alao’s comments were clearly based on hearsay that lacked the slightest possible iota of substance and his unguarded choice of the media platform to air his views was a grandstand display of hypocrisy. As requisite as the academic qualifications of someone who handles Nautical Science in a professional institution like the Academy must be, it is tantamount to playing the blind to the ongoing structural and organizational overhaul and showing disdain to the leadership of the Academy for any cynicism to have come from the person of Captain Alao in the manner he did.

However, for the avoidance of doubt, it is necessary that the Captain and the public be adequately updated with authentic and verifiable facts with regards to the issues raised in the said predisposed interview.

First and foremost, it would benefit Capt, Alao to know that the Academy had long begun the process of staff audit using both local and international consulting firms including the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).The Rector discovered that over 90 percent of the Lecturers were not well adjusted for the functions they carry out and only a few have servedon board ships. That unpleasant situation is being tackled as we speak. There are 5 Master Mariners contract staff currently in the employment of the Academy on contract bases. Interestingly, the youngest of them is 70 years of age and the rector considers them as too old to be effective or keep pace with the current drive in the Academy. Funny enough these gentlemen of over 70 years are hustling for the Directorship of the School and heads of Department. Some of them in the department have health inhibiting issues already affecting their productivity. These are the same people Capt Alao is running errands for. They have done their best for now and should give way for younger Master Mariners.

It was the reality of this situation that necessitated the employment of Captain Alimi Certified Master Mariner was recently employed by the current Management of the Academy. Although out of expediency, Dr. John Remi Adeyanju who happens to be the most senior permanent staff, was appointed last year to temporarily cover the duties of Director of the School of Nautical Science till a substantive director is appointed. He does not teach nautical sciences as falsely alleged by Capt Alao and his cohorts. And his appointment is for administrative purposes only. It was a stop-gap arrangement to allow time for the proper grooming of Captain Alimi for seamless take-over from him as soon as possible. The DG NIMASA was briefed on this when he raised concerns when the same information reached him. We explained the situation to him and he understood as stressed that we resolve it and we working tirelessly to resolve that issue. Of course, Dr. Adeyanju is not teaching Navigation and Seamanship which are the core subjects in nautical studies as alleged. He teaches meteorology, a subject he had taught for quite a number of years in the Academy. His heading the department is administrative and not technical and only temporary.

Part of the modalities for rijiging the Academy’s technical departments with highly qualified professional lecturers is ongoing

Incidentally, the Rector revealed that the Academy last month approached a Maritime Consultancy firm in Apapa Lagos out of frustration, as the same Capt Alao did not respond to two letters from the Academy requesting for Master Mariners as lecturers. Surprisingly, it was later discovered that Captain Alao was one of the Directors of a firm the Academy decided to source Master Mariners from as nothing was coming from NAMM. Imagine him driving the same process for a private firm that he has vested interest to the detriment of a union he leads. Where is integrity and honour here?

Capt. Aloa cannot confidently be said to be fully dedicated in supporting the Academy’s efforts to rebrand, yet he is scarcely pinched by conscience in making insinuations or criticizing the genuine practical efforts of Management. Alao has every right to visit the Academy than degrade himself and Office by misinformation. He should not be among those compounding problems of the Academy but should be adding value to it.

Is Alao claiming to be more concerned than the Rector of the Academy, Commodore Duja Effedua, who is directly answerable to what goes on in the Academy and upon whose head the task of restructuring and repositioning the almost abandoned 41-year-old premier maritime institution in the country squarely rests? Even if Capt. Alao had observed certain development in the Academy that can affect the Maritime Industry negatively, as a Maritime Stakeholder, courtesy, diplomacy, responsibility and necessity would still have demanded that he first reached out to appropriate quarters for the necessary information than carelessly arrogate duties to himself in a bid to satisfy his wishes.

The cordial relationship that the Academy has been enjoying with AMES and NAMM should not be made to suffer any friction or suspicion on account of Capt. Alao’s latter-day idiosyncrasy. It would be advisable that issues be always verified to ensure that the Academy is not presented in bad light in this new era of fresh thinking for collective interest of the nation’s maritime industry.

It must be appreciated that every building or rebuilding undertaking is a gradual process that needs time and efforts. What appears to be a stereotype mindset among many who once saw the Academy as a goldmine or jackpot is the fear that should the Academy stand or progress beyond where it once was made to be, so many businesses will collapse and the insatiable profiteers will not be smiling to the banks with their loot. But that is not how Commodore Effedua thinks and acts. Just in a short while, he has proven to convince the whole world that he came to the Academy conscious of the core mandate and his personal commitment to leave a legacy in the corporate interest of Nigerians.

Commodore Effedua inherited a beleaguered and crisis-prone Maritime Academy which he has put his life on line, his time and energy to make a difference. His record of performance which has attracted commendations from the Ministry of Transportation, NIMASA, Maritime stakeholders, the National Assembly, individuals and corporate organizations far and wide already have marked him out as the man with the will-power to restructure and reposition the Academy for global competitiveness and change the narrative of the Institution. Captain Tajudeen Alao should not, for whatever reason be the cog in the wheel of progress. And time shall honour him when the Academy finally becomes the bride of suitors’ delight in the global community!

Excerpts from the Interview of Commodore Duja Effedua, Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria at Arc Victor Attah's International Airport, Uyo on Sunday, January 13, 2019, as Compiled by Chukwuma Awaziema, an Uyo-based Journalist.

Sunday, 30 September 2018

BREAKING: Nigerian Labour Congress Calls Off Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its nationwide strike.
This announcement was made on Sunday by the NLC President Ayuba Wabba.

APC GOVERNORSHIP PRIMARY COMMITTEE FOR AKWA IBOM

S/N NAME DESIGNATION
1. BARR. YAMAH MOMOH - CHAIRMAN
2. HON. ABBAS BRAIMAH - SECRETARY
3. ALH. UBA MALAMI - MEMBER
4. AHMED OKARA - MEMBER
5. HON. NADA KARIBO - MEMBER
6. ALH. MURTALA ADHAMA - MEMBER
7. ALH. GARBA MUSLIMA - MEMBER
8. HAJIA AMINA GAMAWA - MEMBER
9. HON. YUSUF MAIANGUWA - MEMBER

MAMA TARABA RESIGNS FROM BUHARI'S GOVT, APC AFTER BEING SCREENED OUT OF APC GUBER PRIMARY

Nigerian Minister popularly known as Mama Taraba who was recently screened out of contesting the APC governorship primary in her state has resigned from BUHARI'S cabinet and has also left the ruling APC. See resignation letters after the cut...

'WIKE IS THE MOLE IN PDP'

As promised, I will now tell you how Governor Wike is working with Buhari and his men for second term. Wike had constantly met with the former DSS DG, Lawan Daura & in July 2017, he signed an agreement with the former DSS DG in the presence of Chief of Staff Abba Kyari.

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel has said the just concluded re-run in Osun State was a daylight robbery.
Governor Udom Emmanuel stated this at the emergency NEC meeting of the PDP holding in Abuja on Friday.

Again, APC postpones Governorship primary to coincide with PDP's

The National Working Committee (NWC) has rescheduled the Governorship Primary Election to 30th September, 2018. PDP had earlier shifted their governorship primary to Sunday.

AKHA DEPUTY SPEAKER DEBUNKS DEFECTION RUMOUR

The Deputy speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, a staunched supporter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) in Akwa Ibom State , Rt. Hon Felicia Bassey, has rubbished reports she has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Popular radio presenter, Margaret Eshiet dead

An ace Broadcaster with Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, Mrs Margaret Eshiet is dead.

WATCH YOUR BACK, BETRAYERS ABOUND - PROPHET ITUEN TELLS GOV. UDOM

The spiritual leader of Christ Deliverance Ministries Inc. CDM-Lagos, His Grace, Prophet Ekong Ituen, has advised Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State to be watchful over betrayers and pretenders around him within Peoples Democratic Party-PDP, who claims to be loyal but are working towards his downfall.

Ahead of defection: Emman Ekon blasts Udom over death of security agents, 150 civilians in Etim Ekpo crises

Ahead of his defection to the APC with Senator Godswill Akpabio this week, the House of Representatives member for Abak\Etim Ekpo\Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekon, has berated governor Udom Emmanuel’s handling of security crises in parts of the State, noting that the administration under him was a disappointment to the electorate who voted him in 2015.

CONFIRMED!!! SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO DECAMPS TO APC - PRESIDENCY

"There shall be an APC Rally at Ikot Ekpene , Akwa Abasi Ibom State on Wednesday the 8th August 2018 to receive the former indefatigable Governor of the State , His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio to the All Progressives Congress!"

- Presidential Aide, Okoi Obono-Obla

Monday, 2 July 2018

Eguono Odjegba’s serial lies and blackmail against the rector of maritime academy of Nigeria: Why he must be held by security agencies to prove his allegations

By Raymond Uweh

The first impression or cursory feeling any reader would have had from the first paragraph of Eguono’s farrago of assumptions would have been that the writer had something to say or had some firm grasp of the history of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and the surrounding communities. But it sooner and progressively became obvious that the shadow-chasing and helplessly misguided Eguono was just a hireling engaged by saboteurs to alter facts and cast aspersions on constituted authorities, such that he could not have escaped falling victim to his folly by insolently and arrogantly flouting the principles of caution and public interest with his recent article.

EKET SENATORIAL DISTRICT WOMEN HOLD ENDORSEMENT RALLY FOR GOV. EMMANUEL

Eket Senatorial District Women Forum (an apex Socio-political Organization for Women of Eket Senatorial District) invites Members of the State Executive Council, the Speaker and Members of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Chairmen of Local Government Areas, Stakeholders of Akwa Ibom Project, Captains of Industry, Traditional Rulers, Heads of Security Agencies, Senior Citizens, Various Socio Cultural and Political Organizations in the State, the Media and the General Public to a Civic Reception and Endorsement Rally in honour of His Excellency, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, as follows:-

Udom’s three years Performance surpasses 16 years of Predecessors - SSG

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem has stated that Governor Udom Emmanuel’s performance in Oro Nation in barely three years on the saddle of governance has surpassed the sixteen years tenure of his predecessors, Obong Victor Attah and Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Encomium as Akpabio’s wife donates house to widow

It was shower of praises as the wife of the Senate Minority Leader and former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Godswill Akpabio donated a house to Madam Ekaette Friday Udo-Essiet, a widow from Ukana Nsasak in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Real Madrid Appoint Julen Lopetegui As Their New Manager

It's official. Real Madrid have appointed a new coach - Julen Lopetegui, who currently manages the Spain national team.

DAVID LAWRENCE: THE COUNT DOWN TO EKET STATE CONSTITUENCY BRIEFING/EMPOWERMENT AND THE JOURNEY SO FAR IN THE SIXTH ASSEMBLY

As the historic day for the first ever constituency briefing and empowerment in Eket holds on Friday, June 8, 2018, we examine the journey of Hon.David Lawrence Udofa, the Member representing Eket State constituency, in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.