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  As preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections, political groups, organizations and concerned electorates across Akwa Ibom State have begun setting the records straight on zoning, unity, equity and fair representation within various constituencies. One of them is the Atai Uyo Progressives Forum, who insist that the agitation for the Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Uruan/Nsit Atai Federal Constituency seat is anchored on fairness, unity, equity and justice, stressing that the time has come for Ibesikpo Asutan to produce a Member of the House of Representatives. Recently, the group paid a courtesy call on the Former Member Representing Uruan State Constituency, Hon. KufreAbasi Etuk, Ph.D, to further drive the narratives. Responding, the APC Chieftain in the State, Hon. Etuk assured the team that as an ardent advocate for fairness, equity, justice, and good conscience, Ibesikpo Asutan, being an integral part of Atai Uyo, should not be denied representation after 24 years of supporting others. The lawmaker while responding to the facts and figures presented by the group said that since the creation of the federal constituency, all other three local government areas have taken two turns each, adding that 2027, morally and in all honesty, should complete the cycle in favour of Ibesikpo Asutan, he said the right of Ibesikpo Asutan will be given to them in 2027. He voiced out that denying Ibesikpo Asutan the opportunity to produce a representative after decades of patience would amount to continued marginalization and an affront to the principles of equity and unity upon which the constituency stands. The former lawmaker recalled how people voted in protest for Emmanuel Ekpenyong (TEMPO), of Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) in 2011 when Nsit Atai was denied their turn, leading to the loss of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), cautioning that history might repeat itself if the APC’s internal democracy and processes are not overhauled to prioritize unity, justice, equity, and fairness. The group’s Chancellor, Pastor Joshua Basil(Joe Pastor) used the occasion to pledge their continued and steadfast support for Governor Umo Eno, whom he described as a father to all, a leader who abhors injustice and a man of God whose governance philosophy is rooted in fairness, equity and inclusiveness. He expressed confidence that the Governor’s leadership style and moral authority would continue to promote justice and balance across all local government areas, noting that their demand was in line with the values of equity and unity which his administration represents. Also, the Progenitor of the Group, Cmr. Udeme Smith declared that for 24 years, from 2003 to 2027, Ibesikpo Asutan has waited patiently for a representative who genuinely understands and represents its interests at the National Assembly. “Our time has come. We are not asking for more; we are demanding a competent voice and reputable representative from Ibesikpo Asutan with proven experience and integrity. We’ll not stop the negotiation,” he said. He warned against political manipulation, inducement and what it described as attempts to mortgage the future of the constituency through “peanuts” and compensations, insisting that such tactics would no longer succeed. He cautioned political actors who, according to them, have benefited from the marginalization of Ibesikpo Asutan to desist, noting that the people are now alert, organized and determined. “When your grass becomes green, beware of green snakes. Those who have fed on our marginalisation should beware. Ibesikpo Asutan will no longer be silenced by peanuts or mere compensations. We are watching, systematic but resolute,” he warned. The Group stated unequivocally that 2027 is non-negotiable for Ibesikpo Asutan, urging unity among stakeholders and warning against internal sabotage driven by selfish ambitions. Last Line: “This is a call. 2027 is the turn of Ibesikpo Asutan to represent Uyo Federal Constituency, and we shall stand by it without remorse. Only enemies of our progress will oppose it. We caution that no one should play with our right.” The meeting peaked when the group prayed for a smooth handover in 2027, throwing their weight behind President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Aniekan Bassey representing Uyo.

Akwa Ibom State Police Command say it will henceforth place human rights compliance at the centre of all law enforcement operations across the state. The new approach was disclosed on Tuesday in Uyo in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, following a two-day high-level training for senior police officers. According to the release, the Command has directed area commanders, divisional police officers and unit heads to adopt a Human Rights-Based Policing (HRBP) framework as a compulsory operational guide. The framework requires officers to ensure that arrests, investigations and security operations strictly observe legality, proportionality and respect for the dignity of citizens. The shift followed an intensive workshop at the State Police Headquarters organised in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative (Partners West Africa Nigeria), with a focus on modern policing standards. Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, according to the release said the decision reflects the realities of contemporary law enforcement, where public trust and professionalism are critical to effective crime control. “Security enforcement must go hand in hand with accountability and respect for the rights of the people we serve.” He reportedly said. The police said while the training also covered leadership, cybercrime and investigative procedures, the human rights framework emerged as the dominant outcome shaping future policing in the state. The Command noted that implementation of the new strategy would be closely monitored, describing it as a decisive step towards rebuilding public confidence and strengthening police-community relations in Akwa Ibom State.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday condemned the kidnapping of 163 worshippers during a church service in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as a grim reflection of what it called Nigeria’s worsening insecurity under the Bola Tinubu-led administration. In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party expressed sympathy with the families of the abducted worshippers and said the attack had plunged the affected communities into “an agonizing period of uncertainty.” The PDP said the mass abduction, which reportedly occurred on Sunday, underscored the “normalisation of insecurity” across the country, arguing that citizens were increasingly unsafe even in places traditionally regarded as sanctuaries. Quoting the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru Local Government Area, the party said bandits stormed the church in large numbers while the service was ongoing. According to the account, 172 worshippers were initially taken, but nine managed to escape shortly after the attack. The party warned that repeated attacks on worshippers, regardless of faith, amounted to a failure of government to guarantee the constitutional right to freedom of worship, insisting that Nigerians should not fear attending churches or mosques. Calling for urgent action, the PDP urged the Federal Government to immediately launch comprehensive rescue operations to secure the safe return of the kidnapped worshippers, while cautioning against what it described as media-driven rescue efforts that could compromise victims’ safety. The statement also criticised the President for what it termed a focus on “international image laundering campaigns,” arguing that insecurity could not be resolved through propaganda or public relations efforts abroad. Reiterating its long-standing position on security reforms, the PDP said the incident strengthened the case for state policing, adding that such a system might have prevented the attackers from operating “with such impunity.” The opposition party further called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, describing the protection of citizens as the primary constitutional responsibility of any administration. “The Tinubu administration must demonstrate that Nigerian lives matter through immediate action, not empty promises,” the PDP said, noting that the families of the 163 abducted worshippers were anxiously awaiting their return. As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Federal Government or security agencies on the incident.

The Akwa Ibom State Government has admitted shortcomings in its HIV/AIDS response, even as Governor Umo Eno has reportedly approved the release of the 2025 counterpart funding for key health sector programmes in the state. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, made the disclosure on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Ministry of Health in Uyo. He acknowledged that despite progress in data reporting, HIV remains one of the most challenging public health issues confronting the state. According to the commissioner, about 168,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS have so far been identified in Akwa Ibom, noting that the figure reflects gaps in testing and case detection, particularly among residents who are unaware of their status. “For HIV/AIDS, this is one area where we have not done too well, While reporting has improved, many people who are HIV-positive still do not know their status, and this remains a major concern.” He said He explained that the current figure represents a reduction from over 200,000 previously recorded cases, attributing the decline largely to data audits that eliminated multiple registrations by individuals seeking access to antiretroviral drugs in different locations. Dr John added that about 99 percent of those identified as living with HIV in the state are now aware of their status, stressing that the challenge is to locate and test those yet to be captured in the system. Despite the HIV challenges, the commissioner disclosed that Governor Umo Eno has approved and directed the release of the 2025 counterpart funding for major health interventions, with disbursement expected before the end of January 2026. He said the funding would support programmes in Health Insurance, Primary Healthcare, Immunisation, Family Planning and Nutrition, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.

“You do not need new skills to make money; you need to properly audit, package and monetise the expertise you already possess.” This was the key message delivered by the Founder, the Hustle Space, Emediong Eduongo, to media professionals in Eket Senatorial District as they explored new pathways to financial sustainability in the digital age. Eduongo made the assertion while speaking as a resource person at a one-day seminar organised by the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals, themed “Turning Media Skills into Profitable Income Generating Business,” held at Eden Hotels and Suites, Eket, Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday. She challenged journalists and media practitioners to take stock of their existing competencies, including writing, editing, storytelling, research and content creation, noting that many already possess marketable skills but lack proper positioning and monetisation strategies. According to her, deliberate skills auditing helps practitioners identify strengths, niche areas and opportunities for income generation through digital platforms, consultancy, tech writing, blogging and content services. Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Association, Dr. Edet Okpo, said the seminar was designed to reposition media practice from a purely social service to a sustainable business enterprise in line with global media trends. “The media has evolved, and professionals must now intentionally structure their craft for income while maintaining ethical standards,” Okpo said, urging participants to embrace innovation, creativity and digital tools. He commended Senator Ekong Sampson for his representation of the district, citing interventions in ICT training, grants, employment and infrastructure development, as well as the support of Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. Okpo also condemned attempts to undermine development efforts through what he described as “gutter journalism,” reaffirming the Association’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and responsible advocacy. In his welcome address, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Essien Ndueso, said the forum was aimed at helping media professionals leverage tech writing and blogging as tools for financial independence in the digital economy. Another facilitator, Dr. Peter Etukudo, described tech writing and blogging as low-cost but powerful digital assets that, with consistency and niche focus, can generate steady, location-independent income. Goodwill messages from former NUJ Vice Chairman, Zone F, Dr. Sunday Antai, and Board of Trustees member, Comrade Florence Unoetuk, applauded the Association for strategically equipping its members to remain relevant and economically empowered in the evolving media landscape.

Residents of Eket Local Government Area on Wednesday issued a 14-day ultimatum to the management of the EMOIMEE Host Community Development Trust, demanding a public explanation of how funds allocated to the area have been utilised. The ultimatum was announced during a peaceful warning protest by concerned citizens drawn from various communities in the local government area. The protesters marched through major streets of Eket before converging at the EMOIMEE office, where they accused the Trust of poor transparency and limited engagement with its host communities. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Bassey Iyaha said the people would escalate their actions if the Trust failed to respond within the stipulated period. “This is a warning protest. If, after 14 days, the management does not come out to explain how the money entrusted to them has been spent, we will be forced to take further steps,” Iyaha said. He explained that the protest was driven by frustrations over what he described as the Trust’s refusal to engage stakeholders despite repeated letters requesting meetings and clarification on its activities. According to Iyaha, residents were particularly concerned about the lack of visible development projects, empowerment programmes and skills acquisition initiatives, which the Trust was established to deliver. Placards carried by the protesters called for accountability, transparency,  inclusion of traditional rulers and youths in decision-making, and an independent probe into the Trust’s operations. Reacting to the protest, the Administrative Officer of the EMOIMEE Trust, Mr. Imo Udogha, described the demonstration as a legitimate expression of civic rights and acknowledged the concerns raised by the community. He said the Trust would take steps to facilitate dialogue between the protesters and the management. “The people have the right to air their grievances peacefully. We will look into how to arrange a meeting with the management at the appropriate level so these issues can be discussed and resolved,” Udogha said. The EMOIMEE Trust was set up under the Petroleum Industry Act to manage development funds accruing from oil and gas activities in Eket host communities.

A university don, Professor Herbert Batta, has urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to ignore what he described as trivial and sensational issues and instead focus on fixing critical development challenges such as infrastructure decay, unemployment and food insecurity. Batta made the call while reacting to widespread circulation of a fake social media report alleging the sponsorship of an anti-adultery bill that would jail women involved with married men for 10 years and impose a N2 million fine on adulterous men. He said the attention given to the circulating report, including official rebuttals from government quarters, exposed a growing tendency to be distracted from the core responsibilities of governance. According to him, a government genuinely committed to development would be preoccupied with completing abandoned rural and urban roads, schools, health facilities, water schemes, ecological and electricity projects scattered across the state. “A government that is serious about human development should be completing abandoned roads, schools, health facilities, water and electricity projects across the state, not getting distracted by idle controversies,” Batta said. The professor who also identified food insecurity as a pressing concern, called on the state to establish mechanised farms in all local government areas to boost food production, generate raw materials for industries and support export. “Akwa Ibom must confront food insecurity by establishing mechanised farms in every local government to produce food, cash crops and raw materials for industries and export,” he stated. On unemployment, Batta urged the government to prioritise job creation through deliberate partnerships with investors to establish industries across the LGAs, rather than encouraging a dependency culture among youths, warning that distractions often thrive where accountability is weak.

Suspected armed robbers have shot dead an unidentified commercial motorcyclist in Ikot Ambang, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, and escaped with his motorcycle, cash and mobile phone. The incident occurred near the community hall along the Ikot Ambang stretch of the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Highway, barely a few kilometres from Uyo, the state capital. An eyewitness, Mr. Enobong Usen, a Point of Sale (POS) operator in the area, said the attackers struck at about 6:00 a.m. after trailing the victim on another motorcycle. According to Usen, the assailants accosted the motorcyclist at gunpoint near the town hall, where a brief struggle ensued as the victim attempted to resist. “Within seconds, one of the attackers shot him at close range. He fell off the motorcycle immediately. The gunmen then searched his pockets, took his phone and other valuables, mounted the motorcycle and escaped through adjoining village routes,” he said. Reacting to the incident, a community youth leader, Comrade Ofonmbuk Udo, expressed concern over the rising insecurity in communities on the outskirts of Uyo, noting that the identity of the deceased was yet to be established. He disclosed that the corpse had been deposited at a private morgue in the community, adding that the incident has threatened a sense of safety of many residents of the area. Udo called on security agencies to intensify patrols beyond the Uyo city centre, lamenting what he described as the neglect of neighbouring local government areas. “Since the yuletide period, there has been heavy police presence within Uyo, with multiple checkpoints causing traffic congestion and alleged extortion of motorists. Meanwhile, outskirts such as Ikot Ambang in Ibiono Ibom, Itam in Itu LGA, and Itak in Ikono LGA remain largely under-policed and exposed to criminal activities,” he said. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, proved unsuccessful as calls to her phone were unanswered. However, police sources at the nearby Itam Police Station confirmed the incident and said investigations had commenced, assuring that operatives were on the trail of the suspects with a view to bringing them to justice.

Media Must Build Democracy, Not Destroy It — Sen. Sampson As He Trains, Unveils Trust Fund for Journalists Senator representing Akwa Ibom South, Ekong Sampson, has charged Nigerian journalists to embrace their responsibility as builders of democracy, warning that the media’s enormous power must be exercised with restraint, truth, and purpose. He spoke at a media training organized by the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) and facilitated by his office on “ICT, Strategic Media Engagements and Sustainable Development,” held at Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo on Thursday. Addressing participants, Sampson identified the media as central pillars of the democratic process, not peripheral observers. Recalling his insistence on voting during the last election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Senator, who is a long-standing member of the union, said, “I voted to make a statement that the media can form family. The media plays a key role in our society and is part of the electoral framework.” The Senator, who is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, said his continuous engagement with journalists was intentional, aimed at creating spaces for reflection, learning, and recalibration in a rapidly evolving information landscape. He assured participants that such interactions would be sustained throughout his tenure in the National Assembly. Tracing the evolution of Nigerian journalism from the era of Iwe Iroyin to the dominance of digital media, Sampson acknowledged the revolutionary impact of technology but warned against its misuse. In his words, “The media can build empires and the media can also bring down empires. I therefore want to use this medium to urge media practitioners to prioritize truth, objectivity, and bridge-building.” While cautioning that reckless reporting ultimately harms society, the lawmaker also urged journalists to interrogate global political developments, such as the Venezuelan crisis, as part of broader debates on sovereignty and global governance. Reaffirming his legislative priorities, Sampson said education remains the foundation of journalism and national development. “Without education, there is no journalist,” he said, explaining that his interventions in scholarships and grants are driven by a belief that Nigeria’s path to greatness lies in human capital development. He used the occasion to unveil plans to establish a Journalists’ Trust Fund in Akwa Ibom State to support the welfare, training, and professional development of media practitioners, saying the initiative would institutionalize support and strengthen professionalism in the sector. Earlier, Chairman of the Association of Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District Media Professionals, Dr. Edet Okpo, described the program as a deliberate shift from tokenistic empowerment. “This is not about sharing rice. This is intellectual empowerment. This is innovation. Thank you, distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson, for your consistency in media capacity building since 2024,” he said. Okpo said the symposium was designed to align journalists’ skills with contemporary realities in ICT, strategic communication, and sustainable development, as well as strengthen their mandate to promote transparency, accountability, and impact in governance. In his keynote address, Professor Peter Esuh, Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, warned that digital technology has eroded traditional gatekeeping while amplifying ethical risks. He urged journalists to balance ICT competence with research, critical thinking, and ethical judgment to curb misinformation. Delivering the lead lecture on “Maximizing the Power of Digital Media Platforms in Shaping Public Views About Leadership and Representation in Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District,” Professor Herbert Batta, Head of the Department of Information and Media Studies, University of Uyo, called for a shift from episodic reporting to development-focused journalism. He said the media’s real power lies in sustained engagement that tracks policies and outcomes, not fleeting outrage. Also delivering a lecture on “X-Raying Public Interest and Expectations in Good Governance Through Legislation and Engagements,” Dr. Idongesit Ashameri, journalist, PR, and Media Consultant, urged journalists to see themselves as “public interest cartographers,” noting that media professionals are tasked with mapping the gap between legislative promises and citizens’ lived experiences. She warned against self-censorship and performative governance, stressing that society suffers more from poor implementation than lack of laws. Ashameri called for investigative, beneficiary-centered, and data-driven reporting that X-rays legislation, budgets, and public engagements, arguing that accountability journalism remains democracy’s strongest corrective mechanism. The event climaxed with the conferment of the Outstanding Public Service and Effective Representation Award on Senator Sampson by the Association of Eket Senatorial District Media Professionals.

Army Confirms Ongoing Probe of alleged killing of 13-year-old by soldier in Ikot Abasi The Nigerian Army has confirmed that it has commenced an investigation into the death of a 13-year-old boy allegedly shot by a soldier attached to Sterling Petrochemical and Fertiliser Limited in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, along Akongntekong Road, Ete, sparked outrage and tension within the community. Confirming the development, the Army Public Relations Officer, 2 Brigade, Mbiokporo, Captain Lawal Mohamed, said the matter had been taken over by the Military Police. “The incident has been handled by the Military Police and is already under investigation. Due process would be followed”. He assured Eyewitness accounts indicate that the victim, Timothy Daniel, was returning from a crossover service at Mount Zion Full Gospel Church with his 15-year-old sister, Miracle Daniel, when the incident occurred at about 12:05 a.m. An eyewitness, Mr. Anthony Akpan, told Daily Independent that Miracle had briefly crossed the road when the soldier who was on guard duty at the residence of the late former clan head, HRH Barr. Clement Idemudo, where expatriates reportedly reside, allegedly followed her and made inappropriate advances. According to Akpan, when the girl resisted and protested, the soldier allegedly became aggressive and threatened her. Timothy, who was waiting nearby, reportedly confronted the soldier over the alleged harassment of his sister, leading to a heated exchange. The confrontation allegedly escalated, culminating in the soldier firing his rifle and hitting the teenager. Timothy was said to have died on the spot, after which the soldier reportedly retreated into the compound while other security personnel later removed the body. “The shooting triggered panic and unrest in the area, disrupting New Year celebrations. Even a vehicle belonging to a former political adviser to the Ikot Abasi Local Government Chairman, Obong Uyai Udoiwod, was damaged during the ensuing commotion” he said Reacting, the Ukpum Ete Clan Union (Mboho Ukpum Ete), through its Publicity Secretary, Engr. Patrick Udoma, condemned the killing, describing it as unprofessional and unacceptable. “The President General of Mboho Ukpum Ete expresses deep dissatisfaction over the conduct of the soldier attached to Sterling Petrochemical, whose actions resulted in the death of an innocent citizen, This act is perceived as terrorism and is totally unacceptable to the people of Ukpum Ete clan.” He said The group called on relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and justice for the victim.