NigerDelta Post Newspaper

10/07/2023

UNIUYO DISOWNS OBA'S STAR WITNESS, SAYS HE MISLED THE COURT WITH FORGED DOCUMENTS
…UWEM OKOKO CONFIRMS INEC RESULT TALLIED WITH UNIT RESULTS FROM PDP ACCREDITED AGENTS

A Director of Human Resources with the University of Uyo, Mr. Linus Okoko has established that a petitioner star witness, one Daniel Edet Akpan recently paraded by the YPP and its Governorship candidate, Senator Bassey Albert to testify before the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Uyo, claiming to be an Administrative Officer with the University is a actually an impostor, who should be made to face the full weight of the law, as the institution has no such name on its nominal roll.

Testifying, Monday at the tribunal, Mr. Okoko told the court that there is also no Faculty of Environmental Sciences in the University of Uyo, but Faculty of Environmental Studies, contrary to the claims by the said impostor. He also told the tribunal that all the documents paraded by OBA's star witness never emanated from the University of Uyo, as they are all forged documents.

He also revealed that the said Daniel’s letter of appointments and letter of promotion, which he tendered before the court on the day he testified are also forged.

Mr. Linus Okoko also hinted that the staff number cited by Daniel Edet Akpan as his, actually belongs to Mrs. Theresa Inokon, a staff of the Security Directorate of the University, while the reference number on the Promotion Letter he provided belongs to Mr. Nse Okon Udoh, an Environmental Officer in the Directorate of Security Service.

“I have conducted a thorough search on the University staff records. My Lord, I have produced the staff records of the University that were required by the court, I discovered that his letter of appointment as Clerical Officer is also forged. All documents tendered by Daniel Edet did not emanate from the University of Uyo".

“Its not possible not to know the head of department where you are working. If you don't know any other person, you must know the name of your boss whom you are working under”.

“The Man(Daniel Edet Akpan) is a forger. The University doesn’t address letters to staff with their village addresses, but their faculties and department.,” he said after being shown Daniel’s supposed promotion letter.

“There is no way two people can have same staff number. If I had seen the said Daniel Edet Akpan the day he came here as a witness to the Petitioner, I would have ensured he is arrested. He is an impostor.”

Testifying earlier, the State Collation Agent for the 3rd respondent in the Akwa Ibom Gubernatorial election, Engr. Uwem Okoko told the tribunal that the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as final result of the Governorship election in the State, were a true reflection of what transpired at the polling units across the State.

He maintained that the result were genuine, and that his party, the PDP is well grounded across the State.

Engr. Okoko who voted at his polling unit Ikot Essien Village in Ikot Abasi on the day of election, said upon conclusion of voting at his unit, he had also monitored the conduct at other locations, saying it was peaceful and orderly and that his party, the PDP is a well structured political party from the unit to ward and to local government level.

“In all the units I visited, there was orderly and peaceful conduct of election, and the result that was declared were a true reflection of what transpired”.

As contained in his witness statement, Okoko tendered results sheets local government by local government, as received by the agents of his political party from all parts of the State.

The results included polling unit results, wards and local government results from each of the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.

Counsel to Petitioners, Tunde Olaola, worried that such evidence is being received tells the court that the witness did not plead Form EC8A in his written statement.

Tayo Oyetibo however pointed out in the witness statement of Engr Okoko, where he mentioned Form EC8A and other forms he received from his party agents.

Not satisfied, Tunde fires on that his witness was not allowed to also tender some documents previously, but Tayo Oyetibo had to explain to him how the background to the tying of results to respective polling units, was established by his witness in his statement.

The tribunal overruled the apparently inexperienced young YPP Counsel and coached him that there is a clear difference between dumping of documents which has attempted to do, and identifying of documents as the PDP was doing.

21/06/2023

AN ADVICE TO SEN AKPABIO AND HIS INFANTILE MEDIA TIGERS: DO NOT MISTAKE PEACE FOR WEAKNESS

By Michael Okon
Your piece is nothing short of the expected. It's the likes of you who would stop at nothing to make sure that the Peace and Reconciliation moves of Pst Umo Bassey Eno does not see the light of day, but I believe that 'The Man Of God' is vested with the spirit of discernment to understand the demonic antics you are applying just to corner him for destruction. We have a parlance in Ibibio that goes "ema efere ntak, ntak ótóhó" meaning when the reason is forgotten, the reason gets offended.

In this life of cause and effects,the cause should not blame the effect she gets. It's like the noble attempt by Pst Umo Bassey Eno to reconcile the past and the present is being misconstrued by Akpabio’s media aide his paymasters to mean tar brushing the superior performance administration through vendetta mission. Within sane school of thoughts, this approach will not help us as a people in the long run.

There was a time the immediate past Governor; Mr Udom Emmanuel exclaimed that the media has been the instigators of most nonexistent snafus and today you have proven the Deacon right by your inciting piece. In as much as you are entitled to your opinion it will be more praise worthy to allow Pst Umo Eno, a man led by the pure spirit to reconcile the reconcilable with the respect bestowed on his office with zero unsolicited ill advice from your kind.

In as much as Pst Umo Bassey Eno has chosen the path of Peace and Reconciliation, it's worth advising you to apply refrain in your strategem, for the Office of the Number One Citizen at the HillTop mansion is too hallowed for the street recklessness which you have just displayed.

If there was anything wrong between His Excellency; Deacon Udom Emmanuel and His Excellency; Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio (which I personally doubt), those you accuse of defending the HillTop mansion as blackmailers against any form of demeaning of that Office had nothing personal against any external force as at the material time, they where simply being patriotic to the Akwa Ibom project and are unapologetic, yet Pst Umo Eno wants to close that gap, I beg of you don't incite nor fan the embers that could frustrate his good intentions. Don't be the media arrowhead that could stalemate the reconciliatory movement of the golden era.

Be advised that your unbridled piece has the propensity to stall the beauty of this focus drive of Peace and Reconciliation because it's an open secret that eating with the Uncommon Leader requires extra skills if self preservation must first be secured before anything else.

The Senate President has openly acknowledged Pst Umo Eno as a man of Peace yet you have chosen to over stretch his Peaceful demeanor which does not seem to be in tandem with the language of the Senate President except your piece is an expression of the fears of the masses that your camp (The Senate President's camp of APC) which Pst Umo Bassey Eno seeks Peaceful coexistence, shall be his undoing as it's a near impossibility to placate him while he constantly demeans his successor in every given opportunity.

Unfortunately for us, pundits think your piece to be the mind of your Boss. Sadly enough, there can hardly be true Peace and Reconciliation where parties involved do not stop trading blames. The blame game, divide and rule tactics will not foster lasting reconciliation. So I beg of you to apply refrain and let our leaders work out lasting modalities for a better Akwa Ibom State. It's been said by the wise that if we want better results we have to do things differently. It's time to write differently, influence differently with the Akwa Ibom big picture in view. It's time to build a more sustainable Akwa Ibom State beyond powerful individuals.

Few days ago at the thanksgiving service of Nyesom Wike former Governor of Rivers State, the Senate President and Former Governor of our dear State, (your Boss, our industrious son) was at it again with the new found tune of how the then Governor; Mr Udom Emmanuel sent drivers to return Government Vehicles erroneously taken custody of by him claiming to be birthday gifts. The lampooning of the past and the trending ' do not inherit anybody's enemy' may be a pointer to the ready made impossibility,a lacuna never to be filled and a reconciliation never to be achieved which has birthed your unsolicited piece.

This persistent public shaming of Mr Udom Emmanuel by the Senate President does not seem to sit well in the minds of some of us, as a flash back of how the Senate President treated Arch Obong Victor Attah his Predecessor is recalled to memory. It's hard to forget how Obong Victor Attah was denied the Privilege of accessing the Ibom Golf Resort which he built for his 70th birthday by the 'uncommon leader '. The Father of modern Akwa Ibom State was compelled to use a primary school for the Celebration, because the then Governor, his successor denied him that honour and would not entertain such influence. None is guiltless, nor flawless but we can reconcile for a greater future.

I only wish that Pst Umo Bassey Eno's reconciliatory moves will not be abused to mean Peace with Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio and tarnishing of Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for both have performed credibly well based on their different areas of strength. What I am gracefully attempting to say is that if this Peace and Reconciliation movement of Pst Umo Eno must work, then our leaders must respect the past and build a better future, the media must refrain from unnecessary pressure. It's impossible to envision a United Akwa Ibom State where Governor Udom Emmanuel is disdained for sectional placating since we can only heal on a wholesome win-win situation. Anything short of that will not be all embracing and could boomerang.

Politics being what she is, full of unexpected force majoure and with your kind of experience in the business should caution you not to over step your boundaries of excitement as anything is possible in this business of Political leadership.

One thing is certain, Pro Hilltop mansion watch dogs will not allow you nor your ilk to devour with cheap lies the sacredness that governs barracks road. For with the same tenacity with which the Senate President (Former Governor of our dear State) was shielded from media rascality like you have attempted, this same lovers of the State stood with Mr Udom Emmanuel to deliver superior Performance and will stand with Pastor Umo Bassey Eno to the end but will not turn deaf ears nor blind eyes to further muddling of our past for cheap gains.

The easiest way to get a prey is to separate him or her from the pack, your strategy is understandable. You may see Pst Umo Bassey Eno as a cheap catch because he is a Man of Peace but his supporters will not watch you apply such street tactics on him as if he is a dullard. His moves within the past 15 days as Governor should guard us to let him be, rather than seek to pressurize him through media wars.

May I advise you to let sleeping dogs be for if we dig deep into the past none shall be guiltless, so let God's servant (The King Priest) do as led by the Only God he serves.

©️ Micheal Joseph Okon is an Associate Chartered Economist (ACE) and International President Coalition of Youth Leaders In Akwa Ibom State.
20062023

11/05/2022

NBTE Accreditation: Our target is 100% accreditation- Akwapoly Rector
.. Commends Tenece over donation of 50 HP laptop to institution

By Dan Etokidem

Ahead of the forthcoming accreditation visit by the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, to Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, the Rector, Dr Moses Umobong says the goal of the institution's Governing Council and Management is to ensure that the institution gets full accreditation for all courses offered in the Polytechnic.

Dr Umobong who stated this on Wednesday in his office when he received a donation of 50 HP laptops from Nigeria's leading IT Services and IT Consulting Firm, Tenece Professional Services Limited (Tenece) said, the 100% accreditation target is not only in line with the vision of the Institution's Visitor and Governor of the State, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel, but also in tandem with Management's vision of ensuring that Akwapoly is repositioned to play it's envisaged role as Nigeria's foremost technological and enterpreneural center of excellence in the country.

He called on all staff of the institution to imbibe the spirit of teamwork and collective success so as to achieve envisaged goals and objectives, stating that the success of the Polytechnic with regards the accreditation exercise is not a personal success but the success of all stakeholders of the Polytechnic Community and the State.

He commended Tenece for the donation of the laptops, stating that apart from portraying the company as a responsible corporate entity that places high premium on its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, the laptops will go a long way in ensuring the complete overhaul, repositioning and revitalisation of the Institution's Computer Science Department and get it effectively, efficiency and digitally ready for the accreditation exercise.

Dr Umobong called on other companies and well meaning individuals to emulate Tenece's gesture towards supporting the Polytechnic achieve it's full potential through the donation and provision of critical infrastructure and educational support materials and equipments that will help create the much needed conducive learning environment for both Staff and students of the Polytechnic.

Presenting the laptops on behalf of the Managing Director and CEO of Tenece, Mr Kingsley Eze, the company's representative, Mr Ofoegbu Uche, said the donation of the laptops to the Polytechnic was in line with the Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, policy of the company and a further demonstration that Tenece as a company, will always be a worthy partner and ally to the institution in it's drive to play a leading role in the Information Communication Technology, ICT, sector of both the educational sector and the Nigerian economy.

Present during the brief presentation ceremony include, the Deputy Rector, Engr Dr Okon Osung, the Polytechnic's Librarian, Dr Mrs Mercy Ukpanah, the Bursar, Mr Ekong Ituen, Deputy Registrar/Secretary to Council, Mr Ini Ebong, the Dean School of Engineering, Engr Immaculata S. Akpan, the ASUP Chairman, Comrade Eteyen Uko, the immediate past ASUP Chairman and Director ICT, Comrade Iboro Ibara, among others.

The donor, Tenece Professional Services Limited (Tenece) is a Lagos based multi-competency enterprise transformation and technology-consulting firm that combines expertise and capabilities across many industries and business functions to deliver superior value to its clients. The company collaborates with its clients both in the private and public sectors to build high performance enterprises.

17/10/2021

FG declares Tuesday public holiday to mark Eidul-Mawlid
PunchngOct 15, 2021Read original

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 19, 2021, a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made this declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Muslim faithful both at home and in the diaspora for witnessing this year’s occasion.

He enjoined all Nigerians to “imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad,” adding that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore on Friday.

According to the statement, “Ogbeni Aregbesola enjoined Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to refrain from violence, lawlessness and other acts of criminality. As the indisputable leader of our race, we must show responsible leadership in Africa.

“While calling for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country, the Minister urges all Nigerians and the youth, in particular, to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition to fellow humans, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity and cooperate with President Muhammadu Buhari’s led-Administration in its effort to build a progressive and enviable nation that all citizens would be proud of.”

09/07/2021

I hope they are arresting him too

09/07/2021

Claim:
I have left APC since 2019, Buhari’s aide, Lauretta Onochie claims

Conclusion:

False. Evidence has proven otherwise that Lauretta Onochie still participated in partisan politics beyond 2019 as claimed and she is a known source for spreading false information.

Background:

Lauretta Onochie, President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide on social media was nominated for the position of national commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in October, 2020. She is expected to represent Delta State as well as the south-south zone.

However, her nomination has triggered many civil society groups to petition the Senate opposing her appointment with the claim she’s a card carrying member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APc) as well as being an aide to the incumbent President of the country

In response to the petition, Ms Onochie, claimed not to be involved in partisan politics since President Buhari resumed the second term in 2019 while appearing before the Senate committee for screening for the position of national commissioner for the electoral body.

“Since Buhari was elected as president for the second term, I have removed myself from everything about politics. Since 2019, I don’t have anything to do with politics. As I am sitting down here, I am not a member of any political party in this country,” she told the panel.

Verification:

Aside, Ms Onochie being an ardent supporter of Buhari, she is also a major fake news monger to portray the president in good light.

In 2019, the international centre for investigative reporting studied 1058 images tweeted by Lauretta out of which many were found to have been falsely attributed to Buhari as achievements.

Although she cried about the effect of fake news on Nigeria, she never stopped being a source. In February 2020, she still claimed Nigeria was no longer the poverty capital of the world, but this was fact checked to be false.

More details visit: ripplesnigeria.com

28/04/2021

DEACONESS MERCY UMANAH: THE MAMMY WE ALL KNEW

Silence fills the atmosphere, greatness stands still, wealth stares at men as they are engulfed by the mystery of the inevitable that surpasses all scientific and political prowesses. Everyone is submerged in bewilderment as the supreme call beckoned on Mammy, from the world of the known to eternal dynasty.

Mammy is the name all of us (both her children and adopted children) fondly call Deaconess Mercy John Umanah, a mother with a large heart who eschewed ethnicity and shunned tribalism in dealing with all manners of people she met. Anyone that came in contact with her can attest without reservation that she was a blessing to humanity. One could hardly differentiate between Mammy's children, grandchildren and other members of her household because she was amazingly caring and classically hospitable. I got to first meet Deaconess Umanah in 2008 following the appointment of Aniekan Umanah as a Commissioner in the State Executive Council. As a journalist I interviewed her and during my interactions with her, I could see a woman that genuinely and unconditionally loved her children. Despite losing her beloved husband earlier on, she personally ensured that her children rose to the zenith of greatness.

Mammy was a pace setter, a goal getter, a warrior, and a competent nurse with a difference. Her unique characteristics as a devoted Christian, as well as her sincerity and commitment to God and humanity earned her the position of a Deaconess in the church. She was able to reignite the same flame and passion for God and humanity in her children. From the King of Abak Town, HRH Ifiök Umanah, the eloquent Communicator and currently member of the House of Representatives, to the youngest-Bobo, Mamie still cuddled them all as babies. During my days of serving Aniekan Umanah as an aide a decade ago, I cannot count the times Mammy would have to come and personally give in-depth attention to some teething health issues of his second son. It didn't matter to her if those where services the senior government official could afford without blinking. To her, the Dettol philosophy was paramount, "if I don't take care of him, who will?"

It is always a rare thing for someone who is not from this cline to come in and fully integrate, accept the culture of marital home and uphold the culture but Mammy did it with ease. She endeavoured to bring her children up in the fear of God, instilling in them that principle that a good name is better than riches. Such vigour, energy and principles were the major disciplinary measure put in place by the late Octogenerian.One thing that makes her demise more painfull is that she was as strong and as lively as ever, until the last days when we suddenly heard that she was no more. Anybody who has met her will attest that Mammy was an energetic, beautiful and approachable woman with a peaceful smile of care and love. I remember the last encounter with her few months ago, she was so worried about some developments she felt needed to be addressed about one of her sons. I was mesmerized at, such concern on an adult who has successfully reached the pick of his career, because she was assuming that he is the same baby. Mammy was a giant through her children and was visiting them from house to house to ensure that they were comfortable.

Her demise is most painful because with her lively mien and charisma, I really thought we were going to have Mammy with us much longer. Alas, Heaven thought differently and sought for her to take. I remember calling Uwemedimoh to ask if she was in her early seventies, but got the surprise response that she was indeed a decade older. The great lady has played her role perfectly on earth, and has taken a bow to join the saints in eternal dynasty. My family is privileged to have felt her warmth and benevolence. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Amen!

Essien Ndueso
SA to the Governor on
Research and Documentation

20/03/2021

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has tested positive for coronavirus, two days after he got his vaccination.

Imran Khan is "self isolating at home," Pakistan's health minister Faisal Sultan said in a tweet on Saturday.

16/04/2020

17/03/2020

Ask you a vendor

09/03/2020

GOVERNOR GANDUJE DETHRONES EMIR SANUSI

The Kano State Executive Council has unanimously approved the dethronement of the Emir of Kamo Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II at a special sitting held today by the council which was presided over by Governor Ganduje.
Emir Sanusi: I've just been educated that once an emir is detroned;

I) He has no right whatsoever to travel or move around without the approval of the Governor.
2) He cannot set his feet on Kano again. He must remain in exile in a town or city chosen by the Governror and will be under the care of the government. He will still be living like a king under cage. For instance, Sultan Dasuki was dethroned and sent on exile in Zing Taraba State for about 10 years; Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi state , Emir Mustapha Jakolo was dethroned by the Kebbi State Governor Adamu Aleiro and sent on exile in Awe Nasarawa state for about 10 years. They both could not set their feet on their Emirate again until pardoned. Even Emir Sunusi's grandfather was dethroned and also sent on exile to Azare Bauchi state before his death. He was later pardoned but couldn't make it home. He died in Jigawa.

04/03/2020

Bill to Establish National Electoral Offences Commission

SEN. OBA CALLS FOR A BETTER PROCESS TO b GUARANTEE CREDIBLE POLLS

A Bill to establish the National Electoral Offences Commission today, Wednesday, March 4, 2020 passed through the second reading in the Senate with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources Upstream, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) canvassing for a better, a more refined electoral process to guarantee a free, transparent and credible elections in the country.

Below is the verbatim report of his contribution to the debate today in the Senate:

"Mr. President, I want to commend you for allowing a robust debate on this Bill. It is quite unfortunate that the 2019 elections was conducted with the 2010 Electoral Act as amended.

"I still believe that democracy is still the best form of government. We are all products of elections, whether good, fair or bad. In elections, there must be a winner. Be that as it may, it appears the 9th National Assembly, most especially the 9th Senate will definitely write its name in the annals of history of democracy in Nigeria

'Mr. President, I feel very strongly that on the basis of the submissions and our contributions we have made since the inauguration of the 9th Senate, this Senate will definitely take it's rightful place in history

"Mr. President, I support this Bill and I am sure every senator including yourself will support it.

"It is on the basis of our personal contributions, Mr. President that we can come to terms with the consensus that there is need for a better, a more refined electoral process to guarantee a free, transparent and credible elections in Nigeria.

"Mr. President, I pray that on the basis of the collective contributions that we make towards a better and a more refined electoral process, that the 2023 elections might turn out to be the best elections ever conducted in the history of this country.

"Mr. President, it is certain the content of this Bill is most profound, and I can stand by the contributions of our colleagues. Let's look at the importance of the code of conduct tribunal. The same thing can be applied to our electoral process.

"But let me commend you Mr. President for allowing this robust debate so that Nigerians will see and proclaim the position of the Senate towards a better electoral process in Nigeria.

"I thank you Mr. President"

04/03/2020

Authentic voice of the Niger Delta Region

29/02/2020

COOPA calls for creation of BBC Ibibio Language Service

The Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State, COOPA has called on the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC to include Efik/Ibibio among their language services.

BBC currently has foreign language output of 33 languages, of which five are African languages with Hausa, Igbo and Pidgin Service making the list of BBC language service in Nigeria.

COOPA made the call today at the Lagos Office of BBC when select members of COOPA paid the Broadcast organization a courtesy visit.

According to the Chancellor of COOPA, Ifreke Nseowo, BBC stands to benefit greatly when it makes provision for Efik/Ibibio language service in its broadcast programmes.

He offered insight to the fact that Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State who speak the language are blessed with unique features that will give BBC rich news content.

Nseowo said BBC in return should create programmes in Efik/ Ibibio language as that will not only excite the people but will generate more listeners to BBC.

The Chancellor added "I can confidently tell you that you have a good market in Akwa Ibom State. Our State is monolithic in language. Everyone in the state and most parts of Cross River understand the Efik/Ibibio language.

"Moreover, the state is very media conscious. And we all know that nothing endears one more than his mother tongue. Thus, when you create BBC Efik/Ibibio language service just as you have created BBC pidgin and Hausa, you are invariably building more reach and value through your content. Don't forget too that Ibibio is the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria."

Nseowo who took out time to explain why Akwa Ibom State is worth projection through a media organization like BBC, said COOPA is ready to attract BBC to news items that may interest them in the State and also support them by sharing their reports.

In response, Head of BBC Pidgin, BBC World Service, Mr. Usifo Omozokpea thanked COOPA for the visit.

He applauded the group over the the interest in BBC and their determination to maximize online presence to tell the story of the State.

The BBC team which received COOPA had in attendance Marina Forsythe, the Communications Executive, BBC World Service and Idongesit Essien, News Director, BBC.

Members of COOPA were shown round the facilities of BBC by the News Director, Idongesit Essien.

20/02/2020

Ask a vendor

28/12/2019

Robbers trapped inside First Bank Mpape, Abuja, as security operatives surround premises