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Showunmi Calls for Urgent Restoration of Uyo’s Cleanliness National Leader of The Alternative Movement, Segun Showunmi has criticized the environmental and developmental state of Akwa Ibom, warning that the capital city Uyo is losing its status as Nigeria’s cleanest and most beautiful city. In an interview with newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, the PDP Chieftain expressed deep disappointment at what he called a visible decline in cleanliness and stalled key projects. “I am not too happy that Uyo is beginning to lose its cleanliness. Before, when you drove through Uyo, you would not see one small piece of paper on the road. Now, I’m seeing ‘pure water’ sachets littering the streets.” He lamented Showunmi, who passionately described Akwa Ibom as “the most beautiful location Nigeria has to showcase to the world,” said he often boasts internationally about Uyo’s comparability to any global city. He however expressed fears that such a unique selling point is under threat. The chieftain who placed the blame on leadership failures, warns: “Leadership is a serious business. No man should leave the work of man for God to do for him.” He called for the immediate return of environmental standards to those of previous administrations, specifically alluding to the era of former Governor Godswill Akpabio. His frustration extended beyond environmental concerns to unfinished iconic projects , noting especially the Ibom Deep Seaport and the coconut refinery, he said; “Finish it!. You have put up billboards all over the place claiming progress, but show us the completed work. Everyone will know the job is not finished until it is functioning.” While acknowledging divine support with “God will help us,” Showunmi maintained that actionable human effort is required and non-negotiable to restore Akwa Ibom’s hard-earned reputation and push already-expended projects to beneficial ends. Showunmi’s concerns were recently corroborated on the communique issued at the end of the December Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, which also drew attention to the poor sanitary condition of some parts of the capital city including Ukana Offot Street and the deteriorating internal roads in Uyo, calling for urgent repairs and improved waste management. The Union raised the alarm over the abandonment of critical roads such as the Eket–Ibeno Road, Ikot Akpan Abia Road, Ikot Iko and Ikot Akpa Edu, alongside persistent electricity outages in the affected communities, which they said have crippled local economies and worsened living conditions.

NUJ Akwa Ibom Raises Alarm Over Calabar–Itu Highway, Other Deplorable Roads       The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has raised serious concern over the deplorable condition of the Calabar–Itu Highway, describing the road as a major threat to lives and safety, and has urged the state government to immediately take over its reconstruction.       The union made the call during December State Council Congress held at NUJ Press Centre, Information Drive, Uyo, following deliberations on issues affecting public safety and development in the state.       According to the congress, the persistent deterioration of the Calabar–Itu Highway has continued to result in frequent accidents, severe traffic gridlock and loss of lives, causing untold hardship to commuters and motorists who rely on the corridor daily.       In a communique jointly signed by the state Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John and Chairman communique drafting committee, Comrade Okodi Okodi the union said “The Calabar–Itu Highway has become a death trap, and commuters are paying the price with their lives. We are calling on the Akwa Ibom State Government to take over the reconstruction of this road in the interest of public safety.”       Beyond the Calabar–Itu axis, the union drew attention to the poor state of internal roads within Uyo metropolis, including Ukana Offot Street, and urged the government to urgently seal the increasing potholes and maintain a clean and motorable urban environment.       The congress also expressed concern over the deplorable condition of roads in Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area, noting that the road serves as a strategic economic corridor for the transportation of seafood to Uyo and several other parts of the country.       “It is unacceptable that a key route supporting livelihoods and commerce is allowed to deteriorate to this level,” the communiqué stated.       Congress further raised alarm over the abandoned Eket–Ibeno Road, Ikot Akpan Abia Road, Ikot Iko and Ikot Akpa Edu, lamenting that prolonged abandonment, coupled with persistent lack of electricity in the affected areas, has crippled economic activities and rendered living conditions unbearable.       In addition to infrastructure concerns, the NUJ commended the progress recorded at its Fourth Estate School and urged the management to sustain and consolidate the gains already achieved.       The union also celebrated members for outstanding academic achievements, including Comrade Edet Okpo of Sensor Chapel, who successfully defended his doctoral thesis, alongside Comrade Dan Etokidem, Comrade Udeme Utip and Comrade Blessing Urua, who completed their Master’s degree defenses at the University of Uyo.       “We are proud of our members’ academic advancement because it strengthens professionalism and ethical journalism,” Comrade Nsibiet John added.

Renewed Hope Initiative Disburses N1.9 Billion to 9,500 Elderly Nigerians The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flagged off the disbursement of N1.9 billion to 9,500 vulnerable senior citizens across the nation. The initiative, part of the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), is designed to provide direct financial support to the elderly. Representing the nation’s First Lady at the Flag-off of disbursement at Government House, Uyo on Tuesday, Coordinator, Office of Akwa Ibom First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki explained that N200,000 will be disbursed to 250 elderly persons aged 65 and above in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sen Tinubu explained further that other beneficiaries will be drawn from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA). This translates to a disbursement of N50 million per participating entity, as approved by the RHI Governing Board. In her words “The total sum to be disbursed is N1.9 billion. This scheme is to support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the FCT and veterans from DEPOWA.” Senator Tinubu explained that the programme, launched in 2023, has become an annual intervention designed to acknowledge the contributions of senior citizens to national progress and offer crucial social protection. “Since the inception of this administration in 2023, the Renewed Hope Initiative has made it a tradition to celebrate our senior citizens every December, in recognition of their invaluable contributions to nation-building,” she said. Speaking on the theme, “Finding Joy in Old Age,” the First Lady encouraged senior citizens to maintain active and engaged lifestyles. She also called on communities and governments to prioritise the welfare of the elderly. “They have walked difficult paths so that the younger generations may have smoother roads to travel. It is therefore our moral duty to ensure that they live their twilight years in comfort, good health and dignity,” she said She further advised the beneficiaries to “stay healthy and active” and to continue contributing to society through community and charitable activities. The First Lady commending Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the state RHI coordinator for their support, and extended her best wishes to the beneficiaries for a peaceful festive season and a hopeful new year. “May 2026 bring renewed hope and greater accomplishments for us all and our beloved nation,” she added.

Contribute to host communities’ growth, A’Ibom Govt charges NYSC members     Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps deployed to State to make positive impart in the development and transformation of their respective communities and organizations   Eno gave the charge on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ National Youth Corps Members deployed to the state   Represented by Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, a director in Ministry of Youth Development, the governor who noted that their predecessors have left enduring legacies in the State, charged them to surpass such legacies in their places of primary assignments.   ”I receive heart warning report of your conducts, disciplines and cooperation with camp officials, I commend you for this and encourage you to sustain such virtues throughout your service year.   ”Your predecessors have left enduring and inspiring legacies in their various places of primary assignments. It’s now your turn to contribute meaningfully to the development and transformation of your host communities” Eno said.   The governor who acknowledged that Akwa Ibom is a peaceful state, charged the corps members to integrate fully and respect their host communities’ cultural values.   ”Let me assure you that Akwa Ibom State is a peaceful and hospitable state. All you need to do is to integrate fully with your host communities and appreciate their cultural values” Eno said   He also warned the corps members against travelling by night , emphasising that unfortunate losses recorded in the scheme have resulted from night travels   Earlier, in his welcome address, the State Coordinator, NYSC, Mr Sam Pepple, disclosed that over 700 corps members deployed to the state have inculcated enough discipline, team spirit and resilience, adding that they are ”ready, fit and prepare for the service of our fatherland”.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to life imprisonment after convicting him on multiple terrorism charges. Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, imposing life sentences on counts one, two, four, five, and six; 20 years for belonging to a proscribed terrorist group; and five years for unlawful importation of a radio transmitter. The judge noted that the law permits a death sentence for the offences but said he chose a more lenient approach. He also directed that Kanu be held in protective custody outside Kuje prison and ordered the forfeiture of the radio transmitter to the Federal Government. Source – TVC

PDP Faults FG Over Kebbi School Attack, Says Insecurity Worsening Nationwide     The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where armed bandits killed the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducted 25 students.       In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” saying it further underscores what it called the federal government’s inability to curb the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.       The PDP said the killing of the school official and the abduction of the schoolgirls reflect a worsening security climate that has left many Nigerians feeling exposed and unprotected.       According to the statement, the Tinubu-led administration has “consistently preferred the politicization of governance over the protection of citizens,” adding that no government should distance itself from its primary duty of ensuring security of lives and property.       The party said effective leadership requires taking responsibility, confronting the security challenges head-on and abandoning what it described as repeated attempts to deflect from the core issues surrounding the national security crisis.   The PDP expressed sympathy to the families of the abducted students, the relatives of the slain Vice Principal, and the staff and management of the affected school. It also condoled with the Kebbi State Government on devastating tragedy for the education community.       The opposition party noted that the Kebbi attack forms part of a wider pattern of recent abductions in Nasarawa, Plateau, Kano and Katsina, insisting that the trend contradicts the renewed hope agenda of the federal government.       It warned that Nigeria risks sliding deeper into insecurity if urgent and coordinated action is not taken, particularly in states repeatedly targeted by criminal gangs.       The PDP called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to devote urgent and sufficient attention to national security, saying the country could not afford another round of mass kidnappings and school-targeted attacks.   It questioned whether Nigeria must wait for external pressure before taking decisive action, a reference to past incidents where foreign governments issued warnings or expressed concern over mass abductions.   The statement urged federal authorities to step up intelligence gathering, improve community security logistics and strengthen collaboration with states facing heightened security threats.   It also demanded the immediate rescue of the abducted Kebbi students and the prosecution of the perpetrators to serve as deterrence in future cases.   The PDP insisted that only a firm and coordinated response can halt the cycle of killings, kidnappings and school invasions now occurring across several states.   The party urged security agencies to deploy all necessary tools and strategies to prevent further tragedies, insisting that “the killings must stop.”

Eno Warns Disloyal Appointees to Resign or Be Removed   Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Tuesday issued a stern warning to political appointees and senior government officials, declaring that anyone working against his administration from within should “quietly resign” or be removed from office.   The warning came barely 24 hours after two aides were relieved of their appointments over alleged acts of disloyalty.   Addressing appointees, stakeholders and senior bureaucrats, Governor Eno said his administration will no longer tolerate individuals who enjoy government privileges while undermining its policies, programmes or unity.   “Everybody will not agree with us, and that is understood and allowed, but what we will not tolerate is for people to believe that they can be in government and be working against the government. Every action carries a consequence. And I say it again: either you carefully and quietly leave and we will be glad to receive resignations than to stay inside and begin to rock the boat. We will not tolerate it, and that is the truth.” He cautioned   The Governor anchored his position on biblical teachings, insisting that stewardship demands loyalty, commitment and sincerity of purpose. He said loyalty must remain the irreducible minimum for anyone entrusted with public responsibility.   Citing 1 Corinthians 4:2, he reminded appointees that “it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful,” adding that divided allegiance is incompatible with the demands of public service.       In his words “There are people who eat at the table of the king yet feel comfortable working against the same king. That era is over. Faithfulness and loyalty are not negotiable. They are universal standards, and anyone who cannot stand with the government is free to walk away honorably.”   Governor Eno warned that although his administration prioritises peace and stability, such commitment should not be mistaken for indecision or lack of firmness.   “Those who think they can try our resolve to maintain peace should rethink. Meekness is not weakness. I got this job on the mandate of Akwa Ibom people, and I will discharge it till the very last day. We value peace, but we will not entertain subversion or hypocrisy from within.” He added

GOVERNOR ENO CHARGES NEW CIVIL SERVICE HEAD TO PRIORITIZE WORKFORCE CAPACITY BUILDING, PROFESSIONAL GROWTH   … reaffirms commitment to workers’ welfare     In a bid to boost the state’s human resources capacity, Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has mandated the newly-appointed Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters, to spearhead the training and retraining of the state workforce with a view to enhancing professionalism even as he emphasized the need for efficiency and commitment.   Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the Governor noted that the Civil Service is critical to the success of the ARISE Agenda, and must be well positioned to deliver on its responsibilities.   “The Civil Service is the critical piece of our ARISE Agenda, and it is my hope and belief that, under the leadership of the new Head of Service, we will continue to work together, grow together and serve our dear State with faithfulness, dedication and with unbridled passion,” he said.   Governor Eno who has won various awards as the most workers’ friendly Governor, said the State under his leadership will remain committed to the welfare of workers, emphasising that, “salaries are paid regularly, same with pensions, and most of what the Organized Labour and the State Government had agreed to do are being done. We have one of the most robust and collaborative Labour-Government relations in the country, and we remain dedicated to doing even more.   “We remain dedicated to the improvement of the welfare of our Civil Service workers. We have demonstrated this through the regular payment of gratuities, which we met at N110 billion backlog from 2012- May 29, 2023.Today, we have paid over N75.2 billion of the inherited backlog. N1.3b was recently released, and we have cleared the backlog from 2012 -March 2021.   “You would agree with me, that this is a great achievement and a fulfillment of my campaign promise. We will continue to pay down the backlog until the outstanding is completely cleared, and we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the funds he has provided the states to carry out both their capital and recurrent expenditures. We have to show those who served our State diligently that we care,” he added.   He congratulated the New Head of the Civil Service, saying that with her background and experience, she has what it takes to lead a Civil Service where the key ingredients would be loyalty to the State and the Governor, and a good understanding of the ideals that shape the ARISE Agenda.   The Governor advised all appointees of government to be faithful to their call.   “Faithfulness, which is also loyalty, is not optional but a requirement. God looks for faithfulness more than talents. God does not look for the most gifted, the most educated, the most charismatic, the most visible. He looks for the most faithful.”   Making reference to Matthew 6:24, he equally advised those playing hide and seek to desist from it as no one can serve two masters at the same time.   The state chief Executive charged Government appointees and workers to remain loyal, faithful, and productive in services for the betterment of the State.   “Everybody may not agree with us, and that is understood and allowed. But what we will not tolerate is for people to believe that they can be in Government and be working against the Government.   “Those who are not willing and ready to work with us and show loyalty to what we stand for are free to leave. My appointees are called “Aides to the Governor.” They are expected to work closely with the Governor and interpret his vision for the development of the State. Faithfulness and loyalty should be sacrosanct, non-negotiable, and this is not an Akwa Ibom standard, it is a universal standard, so we are not reinventing the wheels here.   “Let me also say here that those who think they can try our resolve to maintain peace should have a rethink,” he said.   Governor Eno appreciated the immediate past Head of Service, Elder Effiong Essien, for his diligent service to the State especially, “for the great contributions he made in aligning the civil service with our governance philosophy, the ARISE Agenda, and for being in the vanguard of interpreting my vision to have a lean, professional and ICT-enabled Civil Service.”   Fielding questions from Government House Correspondents shortly after her swearing-in, Mrs. Elsie Peters thanked God and Governor Umo Eno for the privilege, pledging to take the State Civil Service to an enviable dimension as obtainable in civilized climes.   At the ceremony were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Chief Assam Assam, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo; Senator Effiong Bob, Former Deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson, among others.

Masquerade Chief in A’Ibom Police Net Over Public Disturbance, Extortion Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police command have arrested a leader of masquerade cultural group commonly called ”Ekpo” Uwem Umanah over alleged criminal activities including illegal assembly, armed blockage of a public highway, and extortion in the state. A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Saturday said the suspect was arrested after a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld) which revealed that the masquerade cultural group was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public. According to the information the perpetrators, armed with sphere arrows, machetes, sticks, and other weapons, were also physically assaulting members of the public, including NYSC members. The police spokesperson said investigation further revealed that the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in the village had authorized members of the group to wear masks and disguise themselves in masquerade costumes in public, despite an existing ban on such displays. John noted that upon receipt of the information, operatives of the command immediately dispatched to the scene and arrested the alleged mastermind, Uwem Umanah. The statement reads in part,”The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two individuals, including the leader of a masquerade cultural group for a series of criminal activities including illegal assembly, armed blockage of a public highway, and extortion. ”The arrest followed a distress call received from a concerned citizen (name withheld) reporting the illegal display of a masquerade cultural group that was attacking citizens, blocking a public highway, and extorting money from members of the public passing through the route. According to the information from the distress call, the perpetrators, armed with sphere arrows, machetes, sticks, and other weapons, were also physically assaulting members of the public, including NYSC members. ”Investigation revealed that the leader of the “Ekpo” masquerade in the village, one Uwem Umanah ‘M’ aged 45 years, had authorized members of the group to wear masks and disguise themselves in masquerade costumes in public, despite an existing ban on such displays. ”Upon receipt of the information, Operatives of the Command immediately dispatched to the scene and arrested the alleged mastermind, Uwem Umanah. In a related development, one David Michael ‘M’ aged 34 years of Ikot Obong Edong Village, was arrested at Ukana Onuk Village while in possession of complete masquerade costumes, preparing to invade the area. The two suspects have been charged to court following a thorough investigation into the matter The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammad Azare has reassured the general public of the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and order. The police will not tolerate acts of lawlessness, intimidation, or violence under any guise, including the unauthorized use of cultural paraphernalia to perpetrate crime. Members of the public are urged to continue to provide timely and useful information to the police to prevent crime and ensure that all communities remain safe and secure for lawful activities.