Mentor Newspaper Online

07/02/2024

Big Dog Mate Tiny Doggie

15/01/2024

GOV ENO CELEBRATES SSG, ENOBONG UWAH AT 55

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has sent his felicitations to his resourceful Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah on the occasion of his 55th Birthday.

In a Birthday message personally signed by the Governor, and released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno was effusive in his praise of the SSG.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Akwa Ibom State, I join your family, associates, friends and well -wishers in wishing you a Happy Birthday!

“At 55, your story has been one of grace and mercy. You have packed so much accomplishments, impacted a generation of people and ring true the words of Abraham Lincoln that “ it is not the years in your life that count. It is life in the years.”

“You have achieved all these because you are an epitome of excellence and passion. In all assignments you have been given, you have always risen to the occasion and work to exceed expectations.

“As the steady hand on the Engine Room of this Administration , I am proud to call you my friend, associate and a dependable ally.

“May your 55th birthday usher in more layers of grounding so you may continue to serve your State with gravitas and panache .

“Happy Birthday once again to the Champion of Uyo politics and our able SSG”!

11/01/2024

BREAKING NEWS!

Senator Bassey Albert of YPP has withdrawn his appeal at the Supreme Court against the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

He has also apologized to court for bringing up the appeal.

This is as the Supreme Court frowned at his counsel for repeating the same argument of Akanimo Udofia on the arrangement of names on WAEC certificate.

07/01/2024

AFCON’23

Official Squad numbers of Nigeria's 25-man roster for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations 🇳🇬

Dear Super Eagles, I take God name beg you; “No Gree for Anybody” let’s do it.

03/01/2024

AFCON’24

Ahead of the African Cup of Nations which is set to commence in South Africa, January 12, 2024, two Nigerian sensationals and most informed attackers in the world, the African Best Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen and 5th time in a row Rookie player of the month, Victor Boniface links up as they prepare to join the Super Eagles 🦅 squad.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 offers an opportunity for a continental glory for 24 sides jostling for the honour of being crowned as Africa's No.1 national team.

Follow: Uduak Etim for more AFCON’24 updates

17/09/2023

BREAKING NEWS:

Obot Breaks Existing GWR Record, Heads to Set New One

The Guinness World Records marathoner, Mr John Obot has hit the 124 hours record already existing as longest marathon reading aloud by an individual.

Mr Obot hit the 124 hours milestone, Sunday amidst cheers by spectators and supporter.

John Obot is now heading to set a new record of 145 hours of marathon reading aloud by an individual to cart home the title which is currently held by Rysbai Isakov.

Impossible is nothing!





© READMANIA Media
17092023.

01/09/2023

AKHA TO INVESTIGATE WRONGFUL TERMINATION OF FIVE POLYTECHNIC WORKERS' APPOINTMENT

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly ( AKHA ) has received a petition bothering on unlawful termination of appointment of five Staff of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot-Osurua in Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Area.

The Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petitions, Hon. Prince Aniefiok Attah, had informed the House at plenary of a petition by the five sacked workers of the Polytechnic, and pleaded for the intervention of the House on the matter.

Hon. Atah while making the presentation during Thursday Plenary in Uyo, named the affected workers who petitioned the Institution as Effiong Simeon Dan; Akanama Bassey Edem; Effiong Okon Enidiok ; Godwin Edet Okokon and George Umoren Udoudo.

He said the petition, made available to his Committee on Justice, Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petition was seeking the intervention of the leadership and membership of the Assembly over their wrongful disssmissal by the authority of the Polytechnic.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elder Udeme Otong, who presided over the day's plenary referred the matter to the House Committee on Education, headed by the member for Oron/Udunguko representative, Hon. Kenim Onofiok for further legislative action with a mandate to report back to the House in two weeks time.

Press Unit,
Office of the Speaker, AKHA.

10/08/2023

TETFUND INVESTIGATION: GOV. BELLO RECEIVES IDEM'S COMMITTEE IN KOGI STATE
.. APPEALS FOR FG'S SUPPORT FOR STATE INSTITUTIONS

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has commended the House of Representatives for setting up a committee to investigate projects funded by the Tertiary Education Fund, TETFUND, in his state and others across the federation.

Bello was addressing the House ad-hoc committee, headed by the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Rep. Unyime Idem, in Lokoja, which is in the state to investigate the alleged abuse of 2.3 trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND.

He encouraged members of the committee to do a thorough job as selfless Nigerians and appealed to the House to support two of the state-owned universities established during his administration as governor, noting that allocating 35 percent of the state's budget to the sector underscores his value for education.

On his part, chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Rep. Unyime Idem, said the team was in the state, as part of the its oversight functions, to inspect the level of projects executed by TETFUND and see first-hand, the challenges faced by the institutions.

Idem also directed contractors handling TETFUND projects to complete all ongoing jobs within record time.

On assisting the state universities established by the Yahaya Bello-led administration, the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal lawmaker assured the state governor that the house will make legislations that support the state policies on education.

The committee visited Federal University, Lokoja, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa, Federal College of Education, Okene and Kogi State College of Education (Technical), Kabba, where it was taken round and shown projects funded by TETFUND.

08/08/2023

House Of Reps Ad-Hoc Committee On TETFUND Visit Tartiary Institutions In Niger State

The member representing Ukanafun / Oruk Anam Federal Constituency and leader of the House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee on Tertiary Education Fund, TETFUND "Northern Region", Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem recently led other members of the committee to Niger state on an oversight function.

During the oversight function, they visited the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University , Lapai, Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State College of Education, Minna, and Federal College of Education Kontagora, all in Niger State, to investigate the alleged abuse of 2.3 Trillion naira generated as tertiary education tax by TETFUND from 2011 to date.

Rep. Idem applauded Tetfund for the massive infrastructure cited in the institutions and charged them to do more for the development of the country's educational system.

The Akwa Ibom State born federal law-maker Rep Idem, having being led round the Tetfund projects across the institutions in the state, gave a marching order to the Education Trust Fund to complete all ongoing projects in the institutions across the state within the stipulated contract agreement time.

The leader of the House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on Tertiary Education Fund, TETFUND Northern Region, Rep. Idem also led the team on a courtesy visit on the Niger stage Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, who happens to be Idem's friend and colleague in the 9th National Assembly.

Governor Bago commended the TETFUND committee for the oversight visit to the state and tasked it to ensure that funds allocated for projects in institutions of higher learning in Niger state were judiciously used.

02/08/2023

The Protest Is Here

The NLC and TUC protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja over the removal of fuel subsidy.

10/07/2023

BREAKING!

President Bola Tinubu emerge Chairman, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the 63rd Ordinary Session that took place yesterday in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.

09/07/2023

AKSG SETS TO PARTNER ATMOSFAIR, NCCC TO ERADICATE UNHEALTHY COOKING PROCESSES, FLOOD
..As German NGO, NCCC hold South South Sensitization Summit in Akwa Ibom

By Uduak Etim

Towards ensuring a safer, cleaner and flood free environment, the Government of Akwa Ibom State has expressed their readiness to partner with a German NGO, ATMOSFAIR Climate and Sustainability, and National Council for Climate Change, NCCC in order to eradicate unhealthy cooking processes and flood within the state.

The state government made this known at the South South Sensitization summit with the theme "AtmosFair SAVE80 Clean Cookstoves" organized by AtmosFair Ltd and National Council for Climate Change held on Friday July 7, 2023 at Four Points By Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Iquo Abia reiterated the readiness of the the Akwa Ibom State Government to partner AtmosFair and NCCC to ensure healthy cooking processes, clean and flood free environment under the administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Executive Governor of the state.

Mrs. Abia noted that Agriculture and Environmental protection are given much priority in Governor Umo Eno's ARISE AGENDA and as such the need to partner AtmosFair and NCCC to eradicate unhealthy cooking processes and as well control flood within the state.

While expressing concern about the source of livelihood and well-being of the citizens, Abia stated that Governor Umo Eno's administration will support Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMSE), urging the women to engage in meaningful businesses.

She thanked the organizers of the summit for choosing Akwa Ibom State in the South South region of the country and for endorsing Akwa Ibom as beneficiary of AtmosFair SAVE80 Clean Cookstoves.

Setting the tone, the Director General National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Salisu Dahiru urged the people to refrain from cutting down trees, bush burning and several other unhealthy environmental practices which he said are some of the causes of climate change in the State and Nigeria at large resulting in soil degradation, flooding and lots more.

Dr. Dahiru lamented that Nigerians especially, mothers are exposed to smoke while cooking mostly in a place that lacks ventilation as this has raised a lot of challenges on their health.

He stated that the benefits of this Cookstoves are enormous noting that you don't need 80 percent of firewood, fuel or kerosene while cooking with ATMOSFAIR SAVE80 CLEAN COOKSTOVES.

"A lot of people spend huge amount of money to buy firewood, kerosene, and even diesel to set fire for cooking, they use their money to buy things that are not relevant for healthy cooking. But with Atmosfair Save80 Clean Cook Stoves, you don't need 80 percent of firewood, fuel, or kerosene", Dr. Dahiru said.

Dahiru further stated that the German made Clean Cookstoves are tested and trusted, designed to use 80 percent less fuel and produce 80 percent less pollution than traditional stoves. He assured that the Cooking Stove will help women in the area to save money and preserve the environment for healthy living.

"Our interest is to provide clean cooking solutions to households in Africa and Asia and improve the livelihoods of the people living in the area. Therefore, we have carefully chosen Akwa Ibom State for this sensitization program", he said.

A major highlight of the event was the practical demonstration of the use of AtmosFair Save80 Clean Cookstoves to over 400 delegates across the state from all walks of life led by the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan and Chairman of Advisory Board, Atmosfair Climate and Sustainability an NGO based in Berlin, Germany, Amb. Faruk Yabo, MFR.

Furthermore, Arc. Nyaetok who gave vote of thanks, commends the Akwa Ibom State Chief Executive, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for his dexterity, leadership prowess and for putting Akwa Ibom State first in this Golden era.

Nyaetok also lauded the leadership of Atmosfair Climate and Sustainability and the National Council for Climate Change for choosing Akwa Ibom as a beneficiary of the initiative in the South South region of the country.

He urged the people to see the need to purchase the product for themselves irrespective of the price, maintaining that the product will be pocket friendly and available for all classes of people while trusting the Umo Eno's administration to subsidise for the masses.

Meanwhile, Atmosfair Save80 Clean Cookstoves are made of; the Stove itself, Fire Chamber and Wonder Box, produced in Berlin, Germany with assembly stations in Nigeria.

The event which was well attended by dignitaries also had in attendance, the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan and Chairman of Advisory Board Atmosfair Climate and Sustainability an NGO based in Berlin, Germany Amb. Faruk Yabo MFR, Director of Project, Atmosfair Ltd, Abdurahman Bawa, State Project Coordinator NEWMAP, Dr. Ubong Harrison, Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene, HRM Akuku Okon Udo Ukut, Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam, HRM Akuku Engr. J. J. Obosi
Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo, HRM Akuku Prof. Amanam A. Udo, Prof. Selina, Pat. Mrs. Chdinma Otong, Pst. Mrs. Ekomobong Akpan, Mercy Ibok, Mrs Idara George, Orezi Orezi, Apostle Rufus Eyo amongst others.

24/06/2023

BREAKING: JAMB approves 140 cut-off mark for 2022/2023 admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said it has set 140 and above as cut off mark for 2022/23 admissions into universities in the country.

The Registrar of JAMB Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this during a presentation at the 2023 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions and awards on Saturday in Abuja.

Oloyede said 100 had been approved as cut off mark into Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

Oloyede explained that the aforementioned points were the minimum, but that does not mean that institutions must comply with it.

24/06/2023

N240m Fraud: Court of Appeal Upholds Conviction of Senator Bassey Apkan, Orders His Arrest

The Calabar Division of the Court of Appeal, on Friday, June 23, 2023 upheld the conviction of Senator Bassey Albert Akpan on money laundering charges by a Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and ordered his arrest.

Justice Agatha Okeke had on December 1, 2022, found Senator Akpan, then governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party, YPP, guilty of seven-counts of money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and sentenced him to 42 years imprisonment, without an option of fine.

Akpan was prosecuted on allegation of receiving vehicles valued at N240 million as bribe from companies linked to one Olajide Omokore, a contractor who executed a N3Billion contract for the Government of Akwa Ibom State whilst Senator Bassey was Commissioner for Finance and Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee. The offence contravenes Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and is punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

However, dissatisfied with the judgment, Senator Akpan on December 29, 2022, approached a Vacation Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, presided over by Justice S. I. Mark of the Federal High Court and secured a post-conviction bail on health grounds. But upon release from prison, Senator Akpan continued with his campaign to be governor of Akwa Ibom State and subsequently approached the Appellate Court in Calabar, to set aside the judgment of Justice Okeke.

While arguing against the appeal, counsel to the EFCC, Ekele Iheanacho urged the Court to uphold the judgment of the lower court, dismiss the appeal and revoke the said bail granted to Senator Bassey on the grounds that “the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and the charge was validly filed”.

Delivering judgment today, the three-man panel of the Appellate Court, led by Justice Raphael Chikwe Agbo, upheld the conviction of Senator Akpan but varied the sentence by granting the appellant an option of fine.

The Court also affirmed that the appellant should restitute the sum of N240 million to the Federal Government through the EFCC and that the said restitution shall not be a prerequisite for his release from the correctional facility.

The Court finally revoked the bail and ordered the arrest of Senator Akpan.

©️ EFCC

20/06/2023

20/06/2023

!!!! Heads Of All The National Security Of Federal Republic Of Nigeria 🇳🇬 Recently Appointed By President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, State Of Origin And Their Geopolitical Zones …🤩🤩🤩🤩🥰🥰🥰🥰👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
- - - - - - - - - - - -

(1) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (North- East. Adamawa State).

(2) Major General Chris,Chief of Defence Staff (North West, Kaduna State).

(3) Major General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja Chief of Army Staff (South West, Osun State).

(4) Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla Chief of Naval Staff (South East-Enugu State).

(5) AVM H.B Abubakar Chief of Air Staff (North-West,Kano State).

(6) DIG Kayode Egbetokun Acting Inspector-General of Police (South West, Ogun State)…

(7) Major General EPA Undiandeye Chief of Defense Intelligence (South South- Obudu Cross River State)..

(8) Comptroller General Custom, Adeniyi Bashir Adewale…. (South West,Osun State)..

On Summary Base On Geopolitical Zones..

South West (3)

North-East (1)

North-West (2)

South-East (1)

South-South (1)

North-Central (0)..

Congratulations To Them 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Authentic Voice.

Me : Federal Character captured ..

20/05/2023

MAY 29th WILL BE THE SWEARING-IN OF PASTOR UMO ENO/AKON EYAKENYI

WE SINCERELY REQUEST FOR YOUR GOODWILL MESSAGE!

Akwa lbom State will officially launch itself into the "Golden Era" with Pastor Umo Eno and Akon Eyakenyi as the Pilot and Co-pilot, respectively, on 29th May,
wherein the duo will be sworn in to hit the ground running.

The epoch-making event will also herald the official Transition from the outgoing,
Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel-led administration to the incoming
administration of , hence worthy of Commendation.

However, Mentor Multi Media Links, Publisher of The Mentor Newspapers will publish a Special Edition to commemorate the events.

As a mark of solidarity with the twin events, we hereby request your Goodwill
Message/ Advertorial, which will be published in the Special Edition.

Our Adverts Rates:

Full Page Coloured - #150,000
Full Page Blackand White - #100,000
Front Page Space (Coverage) - #200,000
Back Page Coloured - #200,000
Half Page Coloured - #70,000
Half Page Black and White - #50,000

We are proud to identify with you and will continually chat great narratives of Akwa
Ibom and Nigeria while anticipating your patronage.

+2348039445443
Oku Udoetor
Editor-in-chief

+2348134785585
Emma Akpabio
Advert Manager

Thank you

06/11/2022

PRESS RELEASE

The State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Rt Hon Elder Aniekan S Akpan is bereaved of his mother, Madam Matim Simon Peter Akpan, who passed on at the ripe age of ninety.

A funeral programme by the Party Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, on behalf of the family indicates that mourning house opens on Sunday, 6th November 2022 at Ikot Oku Usung in Ukanafun Local Government Area.

It will be followed by condolence visits by Ukanafun community and various groups on Monday, 7th November, while Wednesday, 9th and Thursday, 10th November are for other groups and associations within and outside the State.

Friday, 11th November is slated for the family of the departed nonagenarian.
According to the statement, condolence visits to the deceased compound holds between 9am to 5pm on designated dates.

The remains of Madam Matim Simon Peter Akpan will be buried Saturday, 12th November, 2022, after a funeral by the United Evangelical Church at Government Primary School, Ikot Oku Usung, Ukanafun at 10am.

She is survived by Mrs. Idongesit Moses Sam, Elder Aniekan Akpan, State PDP Chairman, Deaconess Nse Emmanuel Etukudo, Mrs. Hossana Ezekiel Idungafa, Mrs Ediongseyene Monday Idiang, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren, among other relatives.

The release invites the political class, friends and well-wishers to the funeral ceremonies to give the departed matriarch a befitting farewell.

18/09/2022

Happy Birthday Rt Hon Elder Aniekan S Akpan
We At Mentor Newspaper Wish You More Success, Amen!

07/08/2022

BBNaija S7: Housemates in tears, shocked to their bones as Beauty gets disqualified

Level 2 housemate, Beauty Etsany Tukura has been disqualified from the ongoing Big Brother Naija reality TV show for gross misconduct.

BBNaija housemates were addressed by Big Brother following some of the actions that went down in the house after the Saturday night party.

The ex Miss Nigeria went on a rant and broke up with her in-house boyfriend Groovy for dancing with Chomzy at the party.

In series of clips that have gone viral, Beauty was seen yelling at Groovy and she revealed that she had told him he could dance with anyone except Chomzy.

Groovy in the garden obviously seeing no wrong in what he did asked why his partner was insecure and Beauty yanked off her wig and hit him with it.

Few hours ago, Beauty’s journey in the BBNaija house came to an abrupt end as she was disqualified from the reality show.

She was sent out of the house after earning a third strike following a review of her fight with Groovy the night before.

Beauty’s disqualification became inevitable as she already had a strike from Big Brother. This follows the issuance of a double strike to her on Sunday, less than an hour before Sunday’s live eviction show.

Following the sad yet expected announcement, fellow housemates were left shaken, some shed tears as they bid farewell to Beauty.

SEE VIDEO BELOW

04/08/2022

Breaking...

Uyo High Court sentences Uduak Frank Akpan to death by hanging for murder of Iniubong Umoren, discharges and acquits his father, Frank Akpan and sister, Bassey Anwan.

28/06/2022

UKANAFUN LAWMAKER LAUDS GOV. EMMANUEL FOR RE-AWARDING UKANAFUN COTTAGE HOSPITAL CONTRACT

Excited over the approval by the State Government for the rehabilitation of the Ukanafun Cottage Hospital, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, the Member representing Ukanafun in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr. Charity Ido has saluted Governor Udom Emmanuel on the development.

In a press statement issued earlier today, shortly after the approval was given at today's Executive Council meeting, Dr. Ido commended the Governor for heeding the perennial cries and concerns of the Ukanafun people for rehabilitation and functionality of the health edifice.

Dr. Ido who holdsway as the Chairman of
the House Committee on Public Accounts, also noted with satisfaction the intention of the Government to speed up works at the site, describing the 130 days completion dateline given to the new contractor as highly anticipatory and commendable.

According to the female Lawmaker, the Governor deserves accolades for "his love for Ukanafun, particularly the premium towards improving the well-being, healthcare system not only in the local government but the State at large.

Recall that, the Lawmaker, alongside other stakeholders of Ukanafun, had severally led advocacy through motion of urgent public importance and interfaces with relevant authorities for the rehabilitation and commissioning of the health edifice which unfortunately was abandoned by the previous administration, even when other cottage hospitals hitherto awarded same year with that of Ukanafun had since been completed and put to use.

Meanwhile, the contract for the construction of Cottage Hospital, Ukanafun was re-awarded and the contractor charged to execute the project within a period of 130 days, amongst others, was part of the resolutions reached during today's Executive Council meeting presided by the State Governor.

Media Unit,
Office of the Member representing Ukanafun State Constituency, AKHA.

26/04/2022

Breaking...

Chief Inibehe Okorie defects from APC back to PDP with over 5000 followers

Details loading...

Source: Mentor Newspaper Online

24/04/2022

ALL SCHOOLS IN AKWA IBOM TO RESUME FOR THIRD TERM TOMORROW

With strict adherence to State Government's directives on unified timetable, all private and public primary and secondary schools in Akwa Ibom will tomorrow Monday, April 25, 2022, resume for third term of the 2021/2022 academic session.

It would be recalled that all Teachers and Heads of schools had last week wednesday, resume with pre-resumption meetings in a bid to further prepare for the success of the term.

Speaking in a telephone interview with this reporter, the Education Commissioner, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, again advised Parents and Guardians to ensure that their children and wards return to school tomorrow.

While also assuring that all academic activities will immediately commence in earnest, the Education Boss admonished all parents and guardians to also provide their children and wards with required Educational materials to make learning possible.

Etiebet while also disclosing that intensified monitoring exercise will be carried out across the state, implored management of schools to be diligent in discharging their duties so as to complete their scheduled curriculum for the term. She however, stressed that Government will not condone loitering by students and lateness on the part of teachers.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner wished all pupils, students as well as the teachers a fruitful and successful academic session.

©Mentor Newspaper

08/04/2022

06/04/2022

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

PRESS RELEASE

ADHERENCE TO THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTION TIMETABLE AND SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES BY POLITICAL PARTIES

Nigerians may recall that on Saturday 26th February 2022, the Commission released the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election. The Timetable provides detailed activities, including the conduct of primaries, nomination of candidates by political parties and other activities leading to the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday 25th February 2023, followed by the Governorship and State Assembly elections on Saturday 11th March 2023. All the activities are in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022.

So far, two out of the 14 activities in the Timetable and Schedule of Activities have been successfully accomplished. The Notice of Election was published on 28th February 2022, while nomination forms have been made available on the Commission’s website since 1st March 2022 for political parties to download and issue to their candidates.

The next activity is the conduct of primaries by political parties in line with the dictates of Section 84 of the Electoral Act for which the Timetable and Schedule of Activities provides a period of 61 days (4th April to 3rd June 2022).

The Commission wishes to reiterate that parties must adhere strictly to the principles of internal democracy, drawing from their constitutions, guidelines, the Electoral Act and other Regulations and Guidelines issued by the Commission. Their candidates for the 1,491 constituencies for which elections will be conducted in 2023 must emerge from democratic, transparent and valid primaries, in line with the provisions of Sections 29 and 84 of the Electoral Act, 2022. Where a political party fails to comply with the provisions of the Act in the conduct of its primaries, its candidate shall not be included in the election for the particular position in issue.

As required by law, the Commission shall monitor the primaries of each political party that provides the required legal notice in line with Sections 82 (1) and (5) of the Electoral Act. Failure of a political party to notify the Commission of any convention or congress convened for the purpose of nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified in the Act shall render the convention or congress invalid.

Primaries must be conducted in the various constituencies as provided in Section 84 of the Electoral Act as it is a violation of the law to conduct primaries outside the constituencies for which parties are nominating candidates. The Commission will not monitor such primaries and their outcome will not be accepted.

Political parties are enjoined to avoid acrimonious primaries that could result in unnecessary litigations that may lead to failure to nominate and field candidates for elections in some constituencies.

Festus Okoye Esq
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
Tuesday 5th April 2022.

04/04/2022

Breaking News...

The enforcement team of Akwa Ibom State Environenmental Protection and waste management Agency (AKSEPWMA) this afternoon, apprehended Mr Edwin John from Ini LGA and Mr Umo Uko from Uyo LGA who specialise in issuing fake demand notices to members of the public.

The duo ran out of luck while carrying out their illegal business along Akpakpan Street off Barracks road following a police tip-off by one of their previous victims.

©Mentor Newspaper