Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Akwa Ibom State Government And Accountability




You always say to me:
Manna falls no more
But now I say to you
That manna falls still
And no fall in its fall
But stops in the trays of few
Fixed high in the sky
Who must BLOCK its fall
To us here below.
- Joe Ushie.

Accountability is one of the key characteristics of any governance which makes the people to support a government. But a situation where some vital issues regarding the state's resources are made to be hidden from the people, then there must be distrust, perhaps a revolution.
Though the Akwa Ibom State government naturally would not want its citizens to be aware of the facts that the state (as at now) takes home the highest allocation from the Federation Account on monthly basis; information at our disposal has it that the state takes home in every month a whopping sum (of) between N10 billion and 20 billion (minus excess crude oil fund).
Besides the monthly allocation and excess crude oil money, the state is also making billions in every month through internally generated revenue.
Investigation reveals that recently the state government has received close to, if not above two hundred and thirty nine million dollars ($239m) as its own share in excess crude oil. This is followed by Rivers state. But the main focus of this article is to assess how much of that amount or what percentage has been used in for the betterment of the people. The government has made people to believe that it has done much, whereas it has not even near the mark. What the government is busy doing is planting bill boards every where in the state, singing its own praises and telling people that much has been done.
In the area of roads construction, one can not compare the numbers of roads with the amount of money accruing into this state from the Federation Account. The few roads so far constructed in Akwa Ibom state are: Abak, Etim Ekpo-Iwukem road, Abak - Ikot Ekpene road, Ika road, Abak town road (and about six others in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district). In Uyo senatorial District, the roads so far constructed are: Use Ikot Amama road, and Ekim Itam Ikot Oku Ikono road. Other roads either commissioned or yet to be commissioned, but unfortunately regarded as projects of this administration, example, Oron road linking to airport, were inherited from the immediate past administration where a greater percentage of the contract sum was already given.

Roads like Enen Nsit and Aka Nung Udoe are made to suffer, yet a greater part of the contract sum has been given to Sinoeng (a company rumored to be owned by a member of the governor's family). Now that same road is given to another company, at yet another exorbitant rate. Though the people are not made to know if part of the money that was given to Sinoeng has been retrieved.


In Eket Federal Constituency, there is much noise about massive road construction, yet when our investigation crew visited the area recently, what was on ground cannot be compared to the noise in radio, television and news papers. In Oron Federal Constituency, especially in Oron town, majority of the streets are still under construction. One funny thing is that in all the so called constructed streets, the governor's bill boards with the inscription: “the promise keeper” are planted. This shows that the roads are haphazardly done so as to garner the support of Oron for the governor's second term bid.
The same thing is applicable to Eket where few streets are constructed, yet the people are made to listen to praises.

In Ikot Abasi Federal constituency where the Deputy Governor, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu hails, few (between 2 and 4) roads are constructed. Roads constructed are not counted in numbers but in kilometers. It is very wrong to hear the government says that (example) so so and so numbers of roads are constructed at so so and so place; instead of saying that so so kilometers of roads are constructed at so so and so place.

In the case of other infrastructures, the present government is lacking behind considering the money accruing into the state. The government has rehabilitated few primary/ secondary schools, constructed a library at Uyo, builds a fly over and is embarking on Tropicana Galleria project. But the question that one needs to ask is: “at what cost?” Investigation reveals that one kilometer of road, especially those awarded to Julius Berger is constructed at the cost of one billion naira unprecedented in Niger Delta! Investigation also reveals that a Kilometer of road in the Niger Delta region is constructed at the rate of (less than) four hundred and fifty million Naira. Why then is that of Akwa Ibom State different!
Global Concord also learnt that each class room block so far renovated under Akpabio's inter-ministerial direct labour job costs a whopping fifteen and seventeen million naira. This is incredible!
It is no longer rumor that the state government billed 33 billion naira for Tropicana project, and so far 11 billion naira has been released for the job, yet nothing is seen on ground.

With almost, if not above a trillion naira in Akwa Ibom State, there is much hunger in the land. Why should there be hunger when the state is the richest in the Federation. This shows that the government of the day lacks the political will to create the employment, revamp ailing industries, construct new industries, and save the people from hunger.

Why should there be plenty of money yet there is insecurity, political killing and kidnapping in the land? What those in the government do is to protect their interest without accountability.

Mikel Prefers Premier League Title To FA Cup

Midfielder John Obi Mikel believes only winning the Premier League title will make the season a success for Chelsea.

The Blues are still in the league and FA Cup mix as the season reaches its conclusion, but after a disappointing Champions League exit against Inter Milan in March the 22-year-old believes the squad have one clear priority.
“I've won the FA Cup twice and I think if I win the Premier League I will be happier,” Mikel told the Evening Standard.

“We are disappointed with how we went out to Inter, but that's behind us now and we've got to focus on winning the Premier League.

That's just as important a trophy."
After a crucial 2-1 victory against Manchester United last Saturday, the Blues are two points ahead of their rivals in the table with just five games remaining. And the Nigerian is confident the squad are capable of finishing the job.

“We're still in the race for the title and I think the belief is there," he said.
"We've got the right mentality, everything seems to be in place, so it's up to us to keep it going.”
Midfielder John Obi Mikel believes only winning the Premier League title will make the season a success for Chelsea.

The Blues are still in the league and FA Cup mix as the season reaches its conclusion, but after a disappointing Champions League exit against Inter Milan in March the 22-year-old believes the squad have one clear priority.
“I've won the FA Cup twice and I think if I win the Premier League I will be happier,” Mikel told the Evening Standard.

“We are disappointed with how we went out to Inter, but that's behind us now and we've got to focus on winning the Premier League. That's just as important a trophy."
After a crucial 2-1 victory against Manchester United last Saturday, the Blues are two points ahead of their rivals in the table with just five games remaining. And the Nigerian is confident the squad are capable of finishing the job.
“We're still in the race for the title and I think the belief is there," he said.
"We've got the right mentality, everything seems to be in place, so it's up to us to keep it going.

Onuoha Considers Nigeria Switch

England U-21 star Nedum Onuoha is ready to turn his back on the Three Lions and represent Nigeria in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

The Manchester City defender was born in the African country but moved to the UK when he was seven. He has been stalling on a decision on his international future to see what the likelihood was of him making a successful elevation into the senior ranks after being a member of the U-21 squad that reached last summer's UEFA European Championship final.

However, with progression at City - first under Mark Hughes and now Roberto Mancini - Onuoha is keen to hear from Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback ahead of this summer's finals in South Africa.

"I would like to play in the remaining six games for City. If I did that maybe the chance would be there to play for Nigeria," said Onuoha. "But if I am not playing week in, week out, I wouldn't expect to receive a call from anyone because that wouldn't be right.

"Everyone wants to play in the World Cup, but things have to be right and you have to be selected. A lot of people are talking about it as though it is an option but I have never been called up."

Flying Eagles For South Africa Tourney

Nigeria's Under-20 team, the Flying Eagles, are expected to depart for South Africa on Tuesday ahead of an invitational tournament that would help test some of the facilities to be used at the World Cup in June.

The four-nation tournament, organised by the city of Cape Town, will also feature hosts South Africa, Ghana and Brazil.

The core of the Flying Eagles will be the country's team who lost in the final of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which the country hosted in November.

However, coach John Obuh has disclosed that key players like Sani Emmanuel, who was adjudged best player of the U-17 World Cup, and Stanley Okoro will not be available for the tournament as they are currently in Europe on trials.

Obuh plans to use this tournament to prepare his team for the qualifying campaign for the 2011 African Youth Championship.

Mikel Helps Chelsea Topple United

ENGLAND
Mikel Obi (Chelsea): Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi was in action for 90 minutes as his English Premier League club, Chelsea, recorded their first win over Manchester United at Old Trafford since 2005. The Blues claimed a 2-1 win over their title rivals to move two points clear at the top of the table. Mikel worked hard to stop United from making any significant impression in the midfield as Dimitar Berbatov looked out of sorts in the attack for the hosts.
He has now made 19 starts and four substitute league appearances for the Blues this season and has three yellow cards to lend credence to how much he has improved with his discipline on the pitch.
Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka (Portsmouth): Nigeria's duo of Kanu and Utaka were both given the nod to spearhead Portsmouth but their combination failed to deliver the three points against Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park. Eagles captain Kanu was on for 90 minutes for the second week running while Utaka made way for Federic Piquionne on 72 minutes.
It was Kanu's fifth start of the campaign and he has also made 17 sub appearances for Pompey this season while Utaka has also made five starts and eight sub appearances for the South Coast outfit.
Seyi Olofinjana (Hull City): Olofinjana continued to be out of favour as he was again left on the bench for 90 mintes when his former Club Stoke City inflicted a 2-0 defeat on Hull City on their visit to the Britannia Stadium last Saturday. Olofinjana has started only 11 games and made seven substitute appearances this season for the Tigers.
Danny Shittu (Bolton): Shittu has ultimately been left out of the Bolton first team as he was not listed again last weekend when his club suffered a lone goal defeat to Aston Villa at their Reebok Stadium.
He has not played a single game this season, but he is no longer making the substitute bench of the Trotters.
Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City): Onuoha was on for 90minutes as he played at right back to help Manchester City to a resounding humiliation of Burnley at Turf Moor last weekend. Onuoha has indicated his intention to play for Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
FRANCE
Lukman Haruna (AS Monaco): Nigerian midfielder Haruna suffered an injury as he played 45 minutes in his club's goalless draw on their trip to second- placed Montpelier last weekend in the French Championnat. The former Flying Eagles star made his 10th start in Ligue 1 but had to be substituted after the break.
Shortly after firing a strike off target on 41 minutes, the game had to be stopped for about two minutes as the ex-Golden Eaglets captain had to undergo treatment on his leg. Haruna got back playing but he had to be replaced by Mathew Coutadeaur at the restart.
Onyekachi Apam (OGC Nice): Super Eagles defender Apam was on from start to finish when visiting Sochaux who held his side to a goalless affair last weekend at Stade Municipal du Ray in their league clash. Apam has been a consistent feature in the central defence for his French Club, featuring 21 times in the league this season.
Sochaux who were featuring another Nigerian, Brown Ideye, dominated the encounter but could not get past the defence led by the impressive Apam. Ideye, who was a striker in the Flying Eagles squad that represented Nigeria at the 2007 World Youth Championship in Canada, also played for 90 minutes against his compatriot who is hoping to make the Eagles squad to the World Cup in South Africa in June.
Ideye has made nine starts for Sochaux this season but the former Ocean Boys forward is yet to find the back of the net.
GERMANY
Macauley Chrisantus (Karlsruher): Former Flying Eagles striker Macauley played as a substitute as his club Union Karlsruhe held Union Berlin to a 1-1 draw in a Bundesliga 2 encounter last weekend. The former Golden Eaglets star is on a season-long loan deal at the club from SV Hamburg.
HOLLAND Femi Ajilore (Gronigen): Eagles midfielder, Ajilore could not salvage his team from suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat at Vitesse Arnhem last weekend in the Dutch Eredivise.
The former Olympic Eagles star was in action for 90 minutes in what was his 22nd in the league this season.
He has been on target three times and has been booked on three occasions as he looked to get back into the national team after missing out on the African Cup of Nations in Angola.
Dele Adeleye (Sparta Roterdam): Adeleye was member of our national team who suffered a heavy defeat for his club last weekend after Sparta were spanked 4-1 by Heerenveen. Adeleye, who also left out of the Eagles squad to Angola, has made 25 appearances and netted once for his club this season.

Couple Uses Six-Year-Old Twins To Smuggle Cocaine

To traffick cocaine out of the country using their six-year old twins, have been apprehended.
Announcing the arrest of the duo - Jimoh Bashir and Jimoh Milikat - at the weekend, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) disclosed that the couple will be charged for child abuse and drug trafficking, as it described the act by the parents as a complete show of contempt on the rights of their children.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, spokesperson for the agency, disclosed that Mr. Bashir allegedly connived with his wife to conceal 350g of cocaine each on the diaper of their twins on their way to London.
“Both parents and their kids were apprehended as they were about boarding an Arik Air flight to London last week, and the wife concealed 3.35kg on her body with some on her bra and some in her underwear,” he said.
“The innocent six-year old twins were also used in packing 700g of illicit drugs, which brought the total quantity of cocaine to 4.05kg.”
Condemning the act by the couple in a statement, the chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said that it is unlawful for the parents to take advantage of their children's innocence to involve them in a serious criminal act of drug trafficking.
“The action of the couple is callous, morally depraved, and unacceptable,” he said. “Apart from charging them on the grounds of drug trafficking, they will also be charged for child abuse, for no society will overlook such act of debasement.”

How Rimi Died, By Police

Abubakar Rimi, the former governor of old Kano State, died on April 4th, 2010 after an armed robbery attack, according to an official of the Kano State police command, Baba Mohammed.
Mr. Mohammed, the spokesperson of the police in Kano, said the Mr. Rimi was returning to Kano from Bauchi, in a car with his younger brother Sule Sa'a, his driver and a police escort, when they were attacked by armed bandits between Darki and Gadar Jarna village, fifty kilometres away from the city.
The spokesperson confirmed Mr. Rimi's demise to journalists yesterday at the Bompai headquarters of the police command.
He further disclosed that the former governor was robbed of his belongings just as his younger brother sustained injuries during the robbery attack that took place around 10.30pm.
Mr. Mohammed said the robbers were local bandits that use sticks and daggers to attack commuters that ply the road at night.
He disclosed that when Mr. Rimi saw his brother's injury, he started coughing and gasping for breath, so he asked his driver to take him to his personal doctor in Classic Clinic, Kano.
He was subsequently referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, but he died in spite of efforts by the doctors to revive him.
A source in the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital who pleaded anonymity said Rimi died before he arrived the hospital.
A family source said that Rimi is hypertensive and diabetic at the same time and so must have died of cardiac arrest.
He added that immediately the incident was reported to the Kano State Police command, the commissioner of police, Mohammed J. Gana, led a squad of mobile police men to the scene of the robbery but the robbers had escaped before the police arrived.

Jonathan Drops Seven-Point Agenda

As Nigeria's acting president, Goodluck Jonathan, inaugurates a new cabinet next week, he appears bent on carving his own legacy by dropping ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua's famous Seven Point agenda.

Mr. Yar'Adua had reduced his blueprint for the socio-political and economic transformation of Nigeria into seven sectors which his government promised to revitalise before the 2011 general election. The failure of his government in revitalising any of those sectors has been the bane of his administration.
Shortly before he dissolved the Executive Council of the Federation therefore, Mr. Jonathan was under severe pressure from influential Nigerians to dump the ailing president's agenda, which had formed the pivot of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) programme.

A presidency source disclosed that the agenda is scheduled for review once the new federal cabinet is inaugurated.
“There is a growing pressure on the acting president to review and possibly streamline the seven point agenda for a lasting and effective performance,” said the source. “A decision will be reached soon.”

The source said Mr. Jonathan will be substituting Mr. Yar'Adua's agenda with something more practical. Speaking in the same vein, Ima Niboro, the acting president's spokesman said, “Too much emphasis has been put on the seven-point agenda, particularly in the media.

It is not a living document; just a set of guidelines that the Yar'Adua administration has used to implement key strategies. It would be foolish of us not to build on the very good work that has been done in the past three years. Some of the things will be adopted by the Acting President and yes other things will also be brought in.

We are not completely discarding the ideas which have been proven to work.”
As Mr. Jonathan considers changing the policies outlined in the Seven Point Agenda, it is not known how the change will be received by the PDP whose National Working Committee continues to watch the situation in silence. The opposition Action Congress (AC) has however advised Mr. Jonathan to throw out the seven point agenda without further delay.

According to Lai Mohammed, the party's national publicity secretary, the government should concentrate on just three key areas of governance.
“Our position in the AC is that the acting president should just concentrate the government's focus on the three major areas of electoral reform, Niger Delta and power instead of continuing with seven point agenda,” he said. “While the others are no less important, he should concentrate mostly on electoral reform.

This is because electoral reform forms the basis and foundation of good governance, which is necessary for the country's development.”

Mr. Mohammed's view was echoed by Festus Iyayi, a former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, who also urged the government to concentrate on just three prime areas of governance.
“If I have to advise the acting president, especially as he has a short time to spend, he should concentrate on just two or three agendas instead of wasting time on a long list of seven points that are not achievable,”

Mr. Iyayi said. “The government should address the problem of Niger Delta within the context of energy and work towards the provision of infrastructure.

In terms of the processes leading to the formation of a government, Acting President Jonathan must address the problem of electoral reform properly.” Mohammed J. Gana, led a squad of mobile police men to the scene of the robbery but the robbers had escaped before the police arrived.

KNOW THE LYRICS -2FACE

Title: Possibility
Artiste(s): Psquare ft 2face
Genre: Naija
Album: Danger
Year Released: 2009

INTRO:

Tell me who made it possible (Psquare)
Who made it possible (2face re-echoes)
Only God made it possible (Psquare)
God made it possible yeah yeah yeah (2face)

CHORUS:
Eh, eh,eh girl I wish say
I fit say, u too fine pass my mama
But that is impossible, nohuhu
Thumbs up to ur mama
Cos she made it possible, ehn,ehn,ehn
Girl u to fine enh…

My girl I still believe say,
I fit say,
U too fine pass my mama
but that is impossible no oh oh
U be the photocopy of ur mama,
Carbon copy of ur papa too
Girl u too fine eh…

Enh, some people still believe say
That there is nothing like an African beauty
We dey dey yan say,
There is beauty in the African system
Africans we are the best
When it comes to beauty man we dey run the race
Nobody fit try u cos ur beauty is endless
Nevertheless the black skin colour is fadeless
Now u know say
Na ur mama-eh (eh eh eh)
Na ur papa-eh (eh eh eh)
This no be small matter-eh
Are u feeling me 2baba-eh?

Somebody say huhu girl (2face)
Huhu girl eh eh eh (Psquare re-echoes)
U r my African queen
The girl of my dream
Took me where I've never been
U make my go tinga linga ling

Girl I dey wish say,
I fit say
U too fine pass my mama
But that is impossible no huhuhu
Thumbs up to ur mama cos she made it possible
Girl u too fine eh
My girl I still believe say
I fit say, u too fine pass my mama
But that is impossible
U be the photocopy of ur mama carbon copy of ur papa too eh eh eh
Girl u too fine eh

Tell me who made it possible
Ur mama, ur papa ur mama, ur papa eh ya
Only God made it possible go ask ur mama, ur papa
What is the possibility?

Baby girl it is u that I see
From the eyes of the eagle is like impossibility
Cos people no dey see the way wey I dey see am
Ur beauty is so pure and so clean from within I dey feel am
I no fit understand wetin e be wey
Everytime I go Abuja I dey buy u kulishi, I dey free,
I dey geti loving spee when I dey with u
Everybody truly know now (2face)

Girl please stand up tall and let it shine
Ur beauty is divine, gal u too fine oh no
I need u by my side to be my wife,
The mother of my child. So help me sing it (psquare)

Somebody say huhu girl (2face)
Huhu girl eh eh eh (psquare re-echoes)
U are my African queen
The girl of my dream, took me where I've never been
U make my heart go tinga linga ling

Girl I dey wish say, I fit say u too fine pass my mama
But that is impossible no huhuhu
Thumbs up to ur mama cos she made it possible
Girl u too fine eh, my girl I still believe say
I fit say, u too fine pass my mama
But that is impossible
U be the photocopy of ur mama
Carbon copy of ur papa too eh eh eh
Girl u too fine eh

Tell me who made it possible, ur mama, ur papa eh ya
Only God made it possible go ask ur mama, ur papa
What is the possibility?
Ehn, see am a truly born African king
U are a true born African queen
My mama born the rude boy African singer
So na who born this African beauty eh eh eh

Na ur mama-eh (eh eh eh)
Na ur papa-eh (eh eh eh)
This no be small matter-eh
Are u feeling me 2baba-eh

Let me hear u say huhu girl
Huhu girl-eh eh eh
U r my African queen,
The girl of my dream
Took me where I've never been
U make my heart go tinga linga ling

Girl I dey wish say
I fit say, u too fine pass my mama
But that is impossible no oh oh
Thumbs up to ur mama cos
She made it possible eh eh eh
Girl u too fine
What is the possibility?
My girl I still believe say
I fit say, u too fine pass my mama
But that is impossible no oh
U be the photocopy of ur mama
Carbon copy of ur papa too
Eh eh eh
Girl u too fine-eh
Too fine-eh

I'm Not Pregnant – Beyonce

Beyonce has answered the 'Is Beyonce pregnant?' question by stating that she is not. Rumours circulated this past week after her publicist said 'no comment' when asked if the singer was pregnant.

'No comment' was taken to mean yes and the story did the rounds of the media.
Beyonce and husband Jay-Z do have a habit of not exactly telling the complete truth so the pregnancy denial cannot exactly be completely shut down at this stage.
The couple married on September 5, 2008 but did not officially announce they were married until two months later.

Beyonce has made no secret of the fact that she wants a child. When she is pregnant, it will most likely be well into the pregnancy before any official word is made.

Michael Jackson's Heart Still Beating In Emergency Room, Lawyer Claims

Despite initial reports that Michael Jackson was unresponsive and paramedics were unable to revive him when he suffered cardiac arrest last June, an attorney for Jackson's father, Joseph, claims that the singer had a weak heartbeat when he arrived in the emergency room.

According to CNN, the claim is the first step in a pending wrongful death suit against Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, who has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case. The suit could be filed within the next 90 days, and it will hinge on the crucial final moments of Jackson's life and Murray's actions during that time.

Attorney Brian Oxman, who is representing Joseph Jackson, told the CNN that medical records show that Jackson's heart beat briefly when he arrived at the UCLA Medical Centre emergency room, but that the musical icon was “long gone” by that point.
Oxman mailed a letter to Murray's representatives over the weekend serving notice that the wrongful death suit is imminent and that it will accuse Murray of causing Jackson's death by not calling an ambulance fast enough.

“The bottom line is, had [paramedics] gotten there earlier and had they been called right away, chances are he could have been revived,” Oxman said, noting that medical records show Jackson was “long gone, 20 to 40 minutes before the paramedics got there.”

The Los Angeles coroner concluded that Jackson's death was caused by “acute propofol intoxication” caused by a large dose of the powerful surgical anaesthetic administered by Murray in an attempt to help Jackson, a chronic insomniac, get to sleep. Jackson, 50, was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical two hours after arriving.
Murray is currently free on $75,000 bail in the case, and since California law requires medical wrongful death lawsuits to be filed within a year of the death, Oxman said the 90-day notice was given in order to meet the legal deadline for filing. The next hearing in Murray's criminal case, in which he Murray's criminal case, in which he faces up to four years in prison.

Two weeks ago, a prosecutor's report was leaked that claimed a witness said Murray stopped efforts to resuscitate Jackson in order to collect and hide multiple bottles of propofol before authorities arrived.

In the notice, Oxman called the alleged delay “an outrageous departure from the standard of care.”
A spokesperson for Murray's lawyer, Ed Chernoff, said he had not received the letter but described it as “a bucket of water thrown on a man drowning in the ocean.”
Joe Jackson has long claimed that he believed there was a cover-up in the death of his son.

I'm Not Dating Jim Iyke - Yvonne Nelson

Beautiful Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson has denied the news making the round that she is having a clandestine romantic relationship with Nigerian actor, Jim Iyke. In a telephone chat with us again from Ghana, Yvonne said she is not dating the actor; that they are only 'very close'. “Jim is a nice person, we are very close but I am not dating him” she said. The actress defended the fact that she was sighted in Jim's room. She said: “we are staying in the same hotel, Adonai Hotel and in the course of working and relaxing we mingle together. That does not mean anything happened. Nothing happened behind the close doors as you are suggesting” she said amidst laughter. Jim Iyke also denied the story but not without shedding light on how the two acts who have been known to keep to themselves became so close to the extent of going to cinema and mall together. “We are working together and staying together in same hotel so there is no way we won't interact. I was always hanging around the pool by myself and one day she came around to hang out there too because she likes to keep to herself too. We got talking and realized we're pretty much alike and that is it. The other day they saw us at a mall, we were all there shooting with the crew, why didn't they see the other crew? And at the cinema, is it a crime for me to go watch a movie with a friend? We were not shooting that day and she was going out alone. I asked her where she was heading and she said cinema, I then followed her, and there is no big deal to that. This is something every other person does. They hang out; make friends and the likes. Why is it that when I do the things regular people do.

RE: IS SENATOR JOHN JAMES

FROM THE DESK OF MR. NSIKAK BEN (FCA)
RE: IS SENATOR JOHN JAMES
AKPAN UDOEDEHE A SAINT?
My attention has been drawn to advertorials in the “Community Pulse of 6/3/10 Page 17 and “Community Shield” of 24/3/10 page 12 captioned “Is Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe a saint”. In particular paragraph three of the advertorials alleged that “As the Chairman of Governor Akpabio's Campaign Organization in 2006, Senator John Akpan Udoedehe collected so much money from many people promising them relevance in the emerging government. Worthy of mention is one Mr. Nsikak Ben, who works in the Presidency. He collected millions of naira from him promising to make him the Accountant General of the State. At present the said Mr. Nsikak Ben is the Chief Accountant attached to the Niger Delta Monitoring Team in the Presidency”.

Ordinarily, I would have ignored and disregarded the said advertorial as the figment of the imagination of professional political jobbers but in our clime, silence is no more golden. It becomes imperative therefore to issue this rejoinder for the sake of the discerning members of the public and in order to put issues in their proper perspective. I want to make it categorically clear that the above allegation so far as it contained in the advertorials under reference is false, misleading, malicious, libelous, damaging, blackmailing and is aimed at scoring a political point; therefore should be disregarded by all right thinking and discerning members of the public.

Whereas it is a fact that I have known distinguished Senator J. J. Akpan Udoedehe from childhood, at no point in year 2006 when he was the Chairman of the Governor Godswill Akpabio's Campaign Organization did I part with millions of naira to him with a promise to be made the Accountant General of the State.

While I may not be ready to join issues or trade vituperations with the masqueraders of “IBIBIO YOUTH CONSCIENCE” with no Registration Control Number and therefore an illegal contraption, it is pertinent to question why are they crying more than the bereaved? When did they become my mouthpiece? For the umpteenth time, I have never solicited the assistance of the so called” IBIBIO YOUTH CONSCIENCE” to hold brief for me and I condemn this emerging politics of cheap blackmail in very strong terms. I am a career civil servant and not a professional politician therefore I do not know what they are talking about.

One piece of advice, I have for the “IBIBIO YOUTH CONSCIENCE” is to engage and embark on projects and programmes that will unite and unify the State with positive impacts on humanity than fester embers of acrimony, strife and political bigotry.

Let the peace of the Father Almighty remain and abide with the State now and forever more-Amen.



Nsikak N. Ben (FCA)
nsi2005us@yahoo.com
P. O. Box 9416, Garki Abuja
29th March, 2010

The Mystery Of The Cross (Part 1)

In this first part of our study, we are to closely and diligently study together the RANSOM PRICE paid by our Lord Jesus during his first advent. It is obvious as Christians to have a close look or examination of the cross of our Lord Jesus. Through his death upon this cross, our Lord became the Saviour of the world, the whole human race as in Jn. 12:32 “And I, if be lifted up from the earth, will draw All men unto me”. The question now is who are these “all men”, when the Non-Christians claim non-inclusive in the arrangement? But is it only the world of Christians or the whole world of mankind? And is this “draw all men unto me” means to be taken to heaven? The answer to these is as explained in the next verse in Jn. 12 :33 “This He said, signifying what death he should die”, referring here to the cross, because one who dies on a cross, dies above the ground level, i.e. he is lifted up from the earth.
Now, how does Jesus draw “all men” to him through his death on the cross? This is the “mystery” that we have to understand in this study. Here, let us reflect our minds back to the beginning and to the message spoken by the angel at Jesus' birth in Lk. 2:10 “And the angel said … I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL PEOPLE”. Two important things are involved “Good news” to “All people”. Again, who are meant by this “all people”? Matt. 1:21 says “and thou shall call his name Jesus; for he shall SAVE his people from their sins. Yes! Jesus was to be “THE SAVIOUR”. That is what the name “Jesus” means!
But what kind of Saviour; and who are these “His people” that he saves? Are they the Jews only? Is it the whole world of mankind or only those who believe in him now? The answers to these questions are found in the words of Jesus himself as in Mark 10:45 “The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto but to minister and to give his life a Ransom for many.” But what does “ransom” mean and to whom do the words “for many” apply to?
The words “for many” today have a usage and meaning of a large number; even a majority but not really signifying all. But did Jesus die “For many” and not really ALL? Some people may be confused here. Perhaps, this is why today many preach that Jesus died only for those who accept him and become Christians; and that the condition for Jesus to become one's Saviour is to personally accept him and become a Christian!
To understand what Jesus meant we must see what “for many” means in Biblical language. In Romans 5:19 “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” With this, you notice that 'many' really means 'ALL'. Thus Jesus' Ransom was actually for all as found recorded in 1 Timothy 2:5&6.
A Ransom for All! What is Ransom then? This is derived from the Greek word “ANTILUTRON” which in turn means “an equal corresponding price or value”. Then how can one man Jesus offer himself an equal corresponding price for all? An equal price would mean he could offer his life for only one other man, yet we read that he is the Saviour of the whole world. (1 John 4:14). The 'One Man' for 'All Men' is Jesus Christ for the whole world as in Acts 17:26 “And had made of ONE BLOOD all nations of men… “. All mankind are of one blood and have one Father ADAM. Even Eve came out of Adam. Thus we see that we all are related to each other and share a common 'ancestor' Adam.
Adam was all into human race; if he won the whole human race would have won and vice versa. Just like in any family, father typifies Adam and the mother, Eve and the children typify the “Children of Adam” the world of mankind. Thus in the family when the actions and efforts of the father are fruitful, the children are benefitted; but if not the bad results affect the children too, and the whole family. So too it was with Adam and the whole human race the family of mankind.
In Genesis 1:26 “And God said, let us make man in our own image, after our likeness…” Yes! Adam was created “in the image and likeness” of God. God is perfect, and created Adam as a perfect man and had life within him and was given the right to go on living, subject to some conditions and in chapter 2:16&17, he disobeyed and this attracted a punishment of death. Thus disobedience = sin (1 John 3:4). The punishment for sin = death (Romans 6:23).
The Scriptures reveal that it was Eve that was fooled by the Serpent (Satan) when she was alone in the Eden. The Serpent made her to eat the very forbidden tree. (Genesis 3:1). This deception upon Eve through the Serpent was the first lie hence Satan “the father of lies” (John 8:44). We read that Adam too ate the fruit in verse 6 but he was not deceived into eating like Eve (1 Timothy 2:14).
Now, if Adam was not deceived, why then did he eat of that fruit too? It was his deep love and attachment for Eve that caused him to think it impossible living without his beloved wife. Adam voluntarily gave up his life in what is today called suicide. He committed suicide for the sake of his wife, a now common practice in the land.
Then what happened? The Bible answers “For as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death by sin,… and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). So, having sinned and come under the death condemnation, Adam and Eve were expelled in that condition from the Garden of Eden. And in that condition they began to reproduce; meaning that Adam's children were not born perfect i.e. in the sin and death condemned condition which they inherited from their parents, (Psalm 51:5). This speaks of sin from birth or in other words an inherited condition. Thus the entire world through Father Adam and mother Eve are born into the condition of inherited sin and death condemnation.
What need be done to save this 'dead' race of mankind? There was this command in Exodus 21:23-25 “Thou shall give life to life…”. This implies thus: To save the whole race it required one man's life in sacrifice or exchange “A life for a life”. But in many countries of the world now we read of martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their countries, would not there have been many willing to die to save the whole human race? Of course, there would have been many. Unfortunately, none of Adam's children was suitable for that exchange. Why? Because “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him” (Psalm 49:7). Meaning that, none of Adam's children was equal to the condition of perfection that Adam was in before he sinned.
As you can see, none of Adam's children can redeem the human race. It requires a Perfect Man to redeem Adam and the whole Human Race. Oh yes! Only GOD, Him alone! “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death…” (Hosea 13:14). How did God do this? By sending from Heaven the redeemer as in John 3:16. He gave His only begotten son to BECOME that redemption price.
Someone may ask, how can Jesus who was from Heaven, be equal to Adam of whom we read was made a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:5). So, how could Jesus be an equal price or ransom for Adam, seeing that he came from Heaven; and was he not far superior to angels? Then how can he be the “life for a life” for Adam?
The answer to all these is in Hebrews 2:9 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death…” Jesus became or was made a Perfect Man like was Adam! He was born “Holy, harmless and undefiled and separate from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26). He became the second Adam 1 Corinthians 15:45; the second Perfect Man. “And so it is written, the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit”.
At first, Adam was made a little lower than the angels. Again, Jesus also made a little lower than the angels to equate. Thus the equal corresponding price for Adam was found. Yes, the 'life for a life' was found. That “the son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
But before conclusion, there is need to behold the great Saviour and the depth of his sacrifice. How was Jesus before he “became flesh”? The Bible answers in 2 Corinthians 8:9 “… that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor.” Imagine a heavenly subject with all the affluence of his father dropping so low in level to carry the cross of a sinful man and his race. And not only that, we read also of something else on him in Philippians 2:7 “But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant…”
The depth of this meaning hidden in the Scriptures is understood only by examining how large indeed is this world we live in and how many different kinds of creatures live in it. There is the Fish world, the Animal, Birds and Insects worlds. Now, let us look at the insect world, and take the species of the cockroach. Everybody hates cockroaches because they find them dirty, filthy and disgusting.
But the cockroach world itself is a busy and bustling world. They live and have their homes in dark dingy places. They have families little ones; there is work to do food to gather, and a busy life to live. Now imagine that this cockroach world needed a Saviour and a redeemer! And that someone from among mankind would be needed to volunteer to be changed into a cockroach and to spend many years among the cockroaches; and then in a very terrible way to die among those cockroaches for the redemption of the entire cockroach world. Remember, you are to be killed by these cockroaches themselves in whatever manner or method.
Just imagine the cockroach conditions, their food, and living areas! These make the thought absolutely and totally repulsive and revolting. WOULD YOU BE AVAILABLE FOR THEM? Just think of it! Yet, this is exactly how man in this current condition and in the ways of sin must seem and look to the heavenly beings and to Jesus. Yes! Just like cockroaches.
We read about the deliverance of the whole race and the divine transaction of the Ransom in 1 Corinthians 15:21 “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead”. This implies that through one man came the death sentence on all, and through one more man comes the deliverance of all. These two different men are as in verse 22 “For as in Adam ALL die, even so in Christ shall ALL be made alive”.
Who are these 'ALL'? They are Adam's children the whole world of mankind. Today, they are called by different names such as: Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Christians, Atheists, Eckists, Amocs, Heathens etc, etc. Yes! Indeed this is the good news “of great joy which shall be unto all people.” So, all that is necessary to gain the blessings and benefit from the death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary is to be a child of Adam.
Thus, we have seen Jesus' death on the cross for ALL MANKIND “in Adam”. Jesus, through his death on the cross has, 'drawn all men unto Him' or Redeemed or Saved All Men from the death sentence and brought for all mankind through his blood the very real hope of resurrection from the dead in God's due time! BE BLESSED.

AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR GODSWILL OBOT AKPABIO ON THE ARREST AND SUBSEQUENT DETENTION AND CHARGE TO COURT OF COMRADE, CHIEF (HON) EFFIONG ONONOKPON

MY HONEST ADVICE TO THE GOVERNOR


Your Excellency, the arrest and subsequent detention and arraignment of Comrade (Hon) Effiong Ononokpono, a title Chief, Elder Statesman of PDP and a former member of House of Representatives from 1979 to 1983 in prison custody by your INSTRUCTION to the police as a result of the 15 Questions and 5 pieces of advice published on page 11 of the Nation Newspaper of Thursday, March 25, 2010 is unfortunate.

Your Excellency, the arrest, detention and subsequent charge of the man to court which also was by your INSTRUCTION for the Magistrate to refused bail in a bailable offence, are top on the list of issues for discussion among well meaning people of the state and beyond.


Your Excellency, the idea of arrest in the first place was TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR if truly you run a participatory form of government and secondly if you have good advisers in your cabinet. The reason is that this is a democratic government and not a dictatorial regime where your subjects can at any time express their opinions by way of questions or advice, as it is in this case.

The first qualities of a public servant are love, tolerant and above all the fear of God. Remember what the Bible says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” What is wisdom? Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge. Your Excellency, as a friend and a brother, let me refer you to the following portions of the Holy Bible.
1. Proverbs 10:17 says: “He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.”
2. Proverbs 12:1 says: “whoever loves instruction loves knowledge but he who hates correction is STUPID.”
3. Proverbs 12: 15 says: “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listens to advice.”
Your Excellency, you will agree with me that I have been doing my very best to advise you whenever controversy surrounds your action and of course this is one of such occasions in recent past.

Though people have been going around collecting money from you, assuring you of your second term ambition by way of Endorsement, don't you think that you will need the support of the people of Oro Nation? Do you think that with this kind of attitude, the people of Oro Nation will rise up to support you because they are very happy for the humiliation and embarrassment meted on them?
Your Excellency, my sincere advice to you therefore is this: please cause immediate unconditional striking off of the suit against Chief (Hon) Effiong Ononokpono and also tender unreserved apology to him and the entire Oro nation.
On my own, I have on behalf of Annang nation apologize to Oro Nation for the embarrassment, pains and inconveniences your action in this matter might have caused them.
A word is enough for the wise. I wish you a fruitful and joyous Easter Celebration

Yours Sincerely,

Dr. Udoma Bob Ekarika
Immediate Past Commissioner
For Works & Transport
Dated Tuesday, March 30,2010.

True Federalism Only Can Save Nigeria

“Whether Nigeria likes it or not, it's only True Federalism that will make her strong, stable and United Nation”
- Anonymous.

A true federalism or a federal country is a system of government consisting of a group of states which have their own government to decide their own affairs, and are controlled by a single national government which makes decisions on foreign affairs and defense. OR a union of states, groups, etc in which each subordinates its power to a central authority.

This system was given to Nigeria during her independence as per the 1960 independence constitution and the 1963 Republican Constitution. The true fiscal Federalism as enshrined in the aforementioned constitutions played out well when the regions retained 50% of what they produced gave 30% to the federation account and 20% to the Federal government for her activities including foreign affairs and defense.
At the end of the month 30% in the federation account was shared to the component regions. This system really served Nigeria well until 1966 when the military intervention took place, and the eventual 30 months civil war that ended in 1970. Quite unfortunately for Nigeria, the military “Khaki boys” played down on the significance of True Federalism and in order to favour where the then rulers came from, they decided to hold fast to the present wishy washy federal structure as per the component states now, but with the resources centrally controlled/strangulated by the federal government. A federal system whereby the resources of the country are shared monthly to the component units as per the formula most suitable to the central government very unheard of in any democratic settings across the world. This type of federation as practiced now by Nigeria which could well be described as “Feudalistic Federation” tends to feudalize the States and makes them very redundant perpetually picking up crumbs from the federation account table in the name of allocation. Recently there have been clarion calls from the government to revisit the issue of the true federalism for this country. It is in deed time the federal structure as practiced in Nigerian is well defined and practically expressed because the present federal outfit as executed is a misnomer and only on paper and has lots of disadvantages viz: the resources are controlled by the central government who does the sharing to the component states;, it deprives the resources-producing states of their income to the advantage of those without adequate resources, since the state have no economic power, they are over dependent on the federal government for every thing; indeed, since the state cannot express their economic strength, they are reduced to beggars; with the unitary federation such as ours, the economically weak states are always piggybacking on the backs of viable states, these weak states become redundant and enjoy the status quo and very satisfied going to Abuja to pick up monthly allocation cheques mindless of the fact that they should source for their independent sources of making money.

Our type of federation makes the central government very strong, powerful and domineering and the state too weak almost always reduced to status of vassal states and incapable of developing their individual uniqueness, interest and concerns; it makes the federal executive council too powerful while the national assembly (senate and house of representatives) and the judiciary are yet to developed Federal system e.g. during the recent Yar'Adua health saga that rocked the country, a few federal EXCO members with Turai formed themselves into a cabal just to perpetuate their interest in the guise of protecting the president, and it took the national assembly strenuous efforts to make Jonathan Acting President which saved Nigeria the big embarrassment that nearly rocked the boat. Furthermore, our type of federation makes issues like appropriate resource control by the component units in the federation including the off-shore/on-shore dichotomy in the Niger Delta still not satisfactorily resolved; without true Federalism, no electoral reforms will work because candidates for elective offices must depend on the strong central government for their tickets instead of the weak states they come from.

Without true federalism the question of who controls the police in the states will always crop up e.g in Anambra State in 2003 when a detachment of the police attempted to remove a sitting governor; without being a full-fledged federation, it will be difficult for Nigeria to become a nation, no wonder myriads of problems are afflicting her, hence the struggling stunted growth and development. The benefit of true fiscal federalism is indeed enormous for everybody has stake in the system devoid of colour, religion, creed, etc of U.S.A, Switzerland, Canada et al. Also all the federating states stand to contribute effectively to the system in all fields of endeavour. It is true fiscal federation that will make Nigeria a full-fledged federated Nation, for it will usher in a sense of belonging, enduring peace tranquility and foolproof development. True federalism will certainly solve the majority/minority controversy and for sure will scale down corruption a hydra-headed problem that has been the undoing of this great country for sometime now. Whether Nigerians like it or not, it's only true Fiscal Federalism that will make her a strong, stable and united nation, failure to do this will spell disastrous consequences for Nigeria. The sooner the better. May God help Nigeria.

God And The Weirdos

“No matter how glorious your January was, how lovely your February was, how joyous your March had been, surely your April shall be a perfection of your heart's desire by the resurrection power. Happy Easter!”.

That was an honest SMS sent in by my wonderful landlady, Mrs. Jones Akpan (a white woman with a white heart). The woman's motherly care and understanding took me far into our tumultuous world and made me make so many comparisons. Those roaming thoughts gave birth to this write-up. It is not Concord Gospel (apologies to Pastor Ettentia):
I have a GeePee, not the water reservoir you know. It is an acronym for God and People “G” for God and “ P” for people of this school of thought called world. The former is that primordial power, captain of hosts and personal father who is everything and owns everything, the later His subjects. We are what we are because of who He is. The Rastafarians define the Gee O Dee to stand for Generator, Operator and Director. Is He not? GOD!

Formerly I used to believe that God is one big personage clothed in ineffable glory who resides somewhere in a beautiful region in the sky called heaven. Sometimes I used to view Him as a certain stern, angry Judge only awaiting opportunity somewhere to punish bad people who have failed to live a perfect life on earth. Even broader and more-learned minds are always cramped by the thought of God as a person, for personality limits to place and time. No, God is not as we might have felt or been taught to believe. Physical optics are not the instruments to perceive God. God is spirit, an “unusual” spirit. He baffles grammar and syntax. God is the creative energy that is the cause of all existence. He is unchangeable, inexorable. This uncreated creator, with His undisputable characteristics or qualities of all-seeing, all sufficient, all powerful and all-benevolent, is not that father who wound up the world with a key and went away to let it run by itself. He is that God who stays at the center of everywhere sleeplessly and cares for all that He created, including you and I. Without Him, life is a monotonous repetition of weeks, months, seasons and generations. On our own, we can do nothing unless He gives the grace. And to us who have nothing He gives the best. So, I am trusting not in my family and friends but Him, the owner of all the worlds. Its very difficult to prove God's existence, not even in the Bible had He Himself attempted to do that. But have you ever considered how much more difficult it is to disprove His existence? Scientists have tried, but no dice.

Human nature! It is the most recondite of mysteries. It is on the basis of this experience that I name my two sons Mankind and Mystery. No wonder it is said that men are the most difficult living things to manage. But, without God, what do these so-called men(or people) think they are? It is lamentably crude, mad, sad, shameful and utter disappointing that we, God's people, do not realize who God is. Aren't daily blessings daily reminders of who or what God is? Oh! Jehovah God and the weirdos called people! That God made man in His own image doesn't mean that God is any foolish as man. The God I believe in is that God to whom everything belongs although we use it as if it belonged to us, the stewards. This omnipotent God has no limit, boundary or edge to His ability and power, and He is not affected by changes.

Where God has put a period or full-stop none of us can change it to a question mark. Good news is that He is the Being that specializes in the cure of impossibilities. This God sometimes puts us into deep sea with the purpose not to drown us but to develop us. He even uses a setback to move us ahead. He allows us get into trouble because that is the only time we ever think of Him. Yet He is the fountainhead of every good thing. He makes our despairing situations governable and opportunities unlockable. It is God alone and only He who has the divine tablets to our worldly ills. With such wonderful father we could tread even where angels fear. This kind God o! He is general and generous. He could make us rich without making others poor. I am not preaching as someone who has born again or the umpteenth time, after all you can't get holy in a hurry or through pretence, but I am telling you by conviction that our problem today is that we are all lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. We have so engaged ourselves sidewardly, forwardly and backwardly that we forget there is an Above and a Below. If men's hearts could be distracted by the charm of this diamond-clothed gambler and trickster called this world, I think men wouldn't forget the essence of living. Although we are living in a sinful world, we do not have to make it more sinful than we met it, must we? This world unchangeably in its originally created place would be so wonderfully good but for men and women themselves, yet we say this is a bad world. Greed and blind imitations have brought us to doom and left even our hearts desertly barren. Despite this the owner of the universe is always a kind and forgiving God unto those that believe in Him, even “churchlessly”. His love is unchanging, not arbitrary or conditional. Yes, it will take eternity to measure the love of God and His son's. “For God so loved the world…”. “ Greater love hath no man….”.

A couple of days ago we commemorated the deathday of the best friend in Christendom that guy who lost His life in order to save ours, that mediator, advocate and redeemer who towers over even the best of counselors, psychologists and therapists, that spiritual phenomenon whom we should catch fresh because He paid the ransom sacrifice (our redemptive price). You know who I am referring to none other than the Justman of Galilee, that only son of God who is the lifeline of our deadline. May that man alone who changes hearts that fine guy who can change the foulest sinner into a saint come into all our hearts so that we could make this world a better place to live in. He is the greatest warrior of righteousness, the supreme commander of the forces of light. He is the answer for this our wicked world. In him is our rest and victory. No boy nor girl, no man nor woman, no cultist nor kidnapper, can get away from God although we can ignore Him. Where are you going to run to while there is no other universe. In short, we have all laughed God out of our schools, books, even our lives, but none of us can laugh Him out of our deaths. He holds the keys.

If we leave God out of our reckoning, all that we hate difficulties, sins, even death come to us. But if we recognize Him as the Limitless One who undertakes for us, He would be big enough for our lives, problems, needs and heartaches. God's grace to us, His weird and derailed people, is a certainty even amidst the tumult of today's world. He wants us to be victors not vanquished, to overcome not to be overwhelmed by any powers and principalities. He likes to see us show the way instead of going with the crowd. I am one of God's made people who have forgotten the lasting and unalterable key to happiness, which is righteousness. Well, it's my prayer that God directs and considers His sinful Aniefiok on the knees before the self acclaimed righteous brethrens and sistrens on tiptoes.

Hide and skin for leather works, cotton for clothes, wheat for bread, what do we use life to get? God provides us with the raw materials and expects us to make finished products with them. Lord God, I have personally fallen short of your expectations, my personal relationship with you is naught, despite the countless churches I have flirted with. With a humble heart on bended knees, I am pleading with you, whither thou pleaseth, kindly have our lives and our times in your hands for you can do more with them than we can. You know what my sick country seeks, equally my sick state and L.G.A. I remember when my state governor, Chief Dr. Godswill Akpabio, knelt before Akwa Ibom people to pray for the cleansing and growth of the state. I am doing same, but first and foremostly denouncing my deliberately and undeliberately committed sins. Oh! Our father, who art in heaven, please guide and direct thy people. With you, we rest assured we can dwell secured. In case I wont be able to repeat this prayer time and again, I say “ditto”

I Have No Regrets…I Have Learnt A Lot- Ononokpono

Chief Effiong Ononokpono was released last week from Uyo Prisons by the order of Justice of High Court 5. He was arrested following the 15 questions and 5 pieces of advice to the governor which he publicized through a paid advertorial in The Nation Newspaper recently. In this interview with the Global Concord, Ononokpono says he has learnt a lot during the incarceration and stated emphatically that he has no regrets whatsoever.
Chief your incarceration following the questions you asked the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio led to agitations calling for your release, with the subsequent release, Global Concord thought it (is) wise to meet you for a chat. How has it been while you were incarcerated?
It was okay, no regret whatever. The Prison Staffs were very friendly, very hospitable; in fact I still have some fruits which they gave me which the driver brought back.

Was there any embarrassment?
Embarrassment by who? No ! no-! no-!, they regarded me as a father. In fact they were calling me Daddy. Even the inmates, because all of us there are called inmates.

How did you feel while there?
(Cuts in) I felt good (laughter) I had a taste of another phase of life, being incarcerated, they lock the door 2 O'clock, I mean 2pm, they open again at 4 O'clock and finally close by 6pm, you don't go anywhere, you have your bath, for example in my own case, the bathroom, toilet are all inside at one end of it. Five of us and what they called “leader”. The leader there is also an inmate. There is a health person who sits down to help and in fact he was specially attached to me, to assist in whatever are my needs I could sent him to the controllers if there is or if anybody comes to look for me, the warder will come and then go with me.
Sir, while there, we learnt that you had some health challenges. How was it?
Well there was nothing new except that I had mosquito bites, some unfriendly insects. The doctors took my blood and discovered that I've got malaria typhoid while exposed there in the police headquarters. In fact I'm still on medication to wipe off the infections and return to normal my health condition.

We witnessed the proceeding for your bail at high court. We observed that you have a plethora of intelligent lawyers. How did you come in contact with them and how about the financing?
They all volunteered because they probably thought in their own opinion that the public was not happy and they felt they had to rise up to defend a just course. You know when a matter is like this, the action will be prompted by the reaction of the public and they were prompted to join to defend a just course. I don't even know some of them. They just volunteered. In fact, it was the first day at Magistrate Court that I was there, they volunteered, about five lawyers volunteered, but the lead man is Barr. Francis Ekanem. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was organized by my friends in Lagos. They sent a signal to me, there was no point because the ones around were very capable to act. So a message came to me that they were insisting that they should come, I said no they should stay off, I know they wouldn't charge me anything, but what was the point bringing an axe to kill and ant?

How is your relationship with some Oro people in the present government, for instance the Attorney General?
(Cuts in) - Ntekim is my son, from my ward. He lived with me as a law student.

We are told you contested against his father in
(Cuts in) Oh that is a long time ago. It has no business doing with this. Long time after that election, which propelled me into politics, the community came and picked me to be in what they called the Reform Local Government System. He (Barr. Ntekim's father) was a teacher in my Primary School but people voted for me, I didn't even apply for it. He (Barr Ntekim) came to Calabar where I stayed, no bile at all, we are from the same ward. He's eaten my wife's food and I call him by his pet Nte, he calls me and answers me “Sir”. All my children (pointing to his children) look at them here, they all know him, he used to eat my late wife's food. He lived with me in Lagos when he was in Law School, himself, Archibong Etuk, late, and Nsima Akpabio, late too. …, when I grew to a higher pedestal in politics, the father was one of my greatest supporters. I can mention him, the late Chief E. B. Offiong in particular, so no problem at all. And he (Barr Ntekim) gives me maximum respect. He could just dash in to see me tomorrow. Last Christmas, he brought a very healthy basket; I don't think I have exhausted the content.

Till today?
Yes (laughter). No we can confirm this, he used to give me a lot of respect I'm very objectives in my argument, I don't want to be bias. He could have done what he did at the instance of his Excellency, Dr. Godswill Akpabio. Yes he could have done that at his instance. The Commissioner of Police told me that he has orders from above to detain me. But I did not see any detention order, but I complied and I knew God of justice will prevail finally. That could be why God directed all those lawyers to do what they did. In the final analysis about eight of them, I only know Francis Ekanem, others came to see me in the prison. I don't know all of them. I have not given any of them “ten kobo”. Some have even paid money to publish advertorials to free me. I don't reach out to any of them but I must tell you I'm grateful to them for defending a just course.

We observed that the Attorney General did not file any Counter Affidavit to what your counsels did. Could that be attributed to the relationship you've had with him?
I don't know. I was not even in the court. And I'm not God, I don't know his mind. May be he saw that it was fair to be fair and then could not oppose. You can oppose what is bad, then what is good, you tick right, isn't it? It could be my solicitors put up a good argument and in points of law, they were right. Barr. Ntekim is an experienced lawyer and so he knows there is no point to argue on a matter that you know is right.

Sir, people say you are an Awoist. How do the principles of Chief Awolowo come into play in your struggle?
Am I in any struggle? Well Chief Awolowo was em … I don't know how I would describe him. He was not a human being per say, he was an institution. He was a planner, he was an economist, he was a financial expert. He was a very prudent manager of public funds, and he was leaders of excellence. He educated his people and that is why in Nigeria today, I don't think, any ethnic group can beat the Yorubas because they had a purposeful leadership. Unfortunately, up till today, we are still in want of leadership. If you can imagine, young boys far below the age of Obong Attah's children standing up to abuse Obong Attah and , those who cannot enter this apartment that God has given to me. They collect money from people, they sign something which they cannot even defend, not written by them, they just publish their names and take small money. And if they publish such things, will you blame them? You blame the system because they are hungry. They hire some of them “come and do the kidnapping”, “come and do the killing with five thousand, ten thousand they do because they are hungry. The system must be reformed in such a way that the people have bread on their tables, otherwise the criminality will continue. I mean somebody is a local government chairman, he has not been sworn in he looks for where to buy a plot to put his private building. He looks for where to buy and build hotels or guest houses. What does that really lead to, he has to steal money. And they sent statutory allocation, the state governors sit at it so that you see what is published in the newspapers as statutory allocation, less than half gets to the grass root for development. While others run into the pockets of Commissioners, Special Advisers, the Governors and even their own sisters, some brothers, relations. You see that some of those who are governors, all members of their families are millionaires, it's happening. I've seen one young boy in this village, this my village, I was born here but I've only come to live here at this bodily advanced age. I don't think at the age of ten (10) I had actually lived here because when I loss a mother, I was very small so I found it so unpopular to stay around here. So coming to live here I discover quite a lot of things and I learn quite a lot. I learn one young man was initiated into cultism so I sent someone to go and interview him. He said “Ah, I have to join the group because you can have your member as a councilor, as a chairman, and you will never lack”. And go and tell somebody who is a cultist or may be his relation, “your brother is a cultist you better check”. You will become his greatest enemy … and there are people in high position who sponsor cultism commissioners, advisers and all of them, Chairmen. They sponsor cultism. They kill, they maim, that is the system we have and you dare challenge them …

Sir, we observed one thing when we came in here, we even thought may be we've missed direction. We saw this is a church premise. It appears you are highly involved in religious activities. How have you been able to manage…
(Cuts in) I am not involved in religious activities; I only realized that God is very great and I go closer to Him. Religious activities,… I just get to know that God is very great even though I knew him at later part of my life. That has helped me alot, it has helped me at different instances. Like I was at the prison yard, I was cheering up. These guys came, even my elder sister came and was crying, I was laughing and said “if you were younger than me, I would have given you a slap, but since you are my senior sister, I cannot do it”. They were crying. I said why are you crying? Crying for what? Do you know the lessons I've learnt here? And the lessons I've learnt there, I will communicate to appropriate quarters when the time comes. How people could be put in prison and forgotten. No trial, no nothing. A boy of fourteen now eighteen, he has not yet passed a school certificate examination, is there in the prison and there is no indication that they will even remove him by the time he is thirty except somebody volunteered. Some says, his a “lifer”, -life imprisonment. After staying there for ten years somebody is completely reformed and at that point in time, sent him out, train him, give him some money to start up a business. Else by the time he will go back, he won't know his children and those children may have grown wild. What will those children be? Vagabonds, they will be the cultists, assassins and hired killers because those to take care of them were dumped in cells, in prison yards, no trial, thirty years. Those are the things you people (referring to the press) should go to and interview people in prison and find out and educate people. Go there, seek audience with the Prison Controller; ask him what the problems are. At times he writes out the problems, the government will not do it. That was my experience. And Nigerian situation, at times somebody is not guilty of any thing, is dumped there, for you to see the person or to make a complain about it or to express some surprise that people are dumped there no trial, no release; you have to give a prison official money! Yes! He has got to take his own because the governor is taking, the minister is taking, the chairman of council, the councilors are taking, he has to take his own. The police on the road is taking, they say bail is free, at which police station?

We learnt the people of the state were protesting when you were in detention?
The people had to do what they consider right. I was not the one who sent them.

Finally, is there any regret in the present situation?
There is on regret. I don't have any regret. But it is not yet over, because he who fights and run away lives to fight another day. We are in a battle to liberate the state.

MY EASTER MESSAGE

Fellow compatriots of Akwa Ibom State,
This period of Easter brings one auspicious moment for sober reflection and a candid re-appraisal of our roles in shaping the history of our people and that of the world. It is especially a time to deeply assess our contributions in the foot steps of Jesus Christ and how it has positively impacted our world with a view to changing the destinies of fellowmen and re-order society for more positive values by placing it on a prosperous and progressive path.
Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, walked the earth in flesh and blood about two thousand and ten years ago. His works as recorded in the prophets and New Testament writings were basically captured in his self acclamation of the prophecy about himself:

The spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because He has anointed me
To preach the gospel to the poor,
He has sent me to heal the broken hearted.
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord;

Christ came to a world afflicted by the same social upheavals and the problems we as a people are facing today.
He brought the message of redemption and offered himself as the atoning bridge between God and man.


He preached peace and was critical of the hypocrisy resplendent among Jewish institutions and authorities. He made the poor his friends, brought comfort to the heart-broken, set to freedom those held by the bounds of societal social injustice. Gave sight to the blind and illuminated the hearts of those that were held in the darkness of false teachings. He judged righteously for every oppressed of society and gave the people new lease of hope through the re-birth of society.
Since the coming of Christ into the world, the completion of his ministry's tenure on earth, his execution by the Roman authorities, His ascension to Heaven no society having confronted his teaching has been or ever remained the same.
Empires have crumbled, thrones have tumbled, Governments have changed, tyrannies have been defeated, but the only thing that is yet to be delimited is the expansion of the frontiers of Christ's philosophy and his teachings.
It is in this circumstance, that while men through history have risen at one time or the other to shape the growth of human history and contribute to influence the world in many remarkable ways; the world and at each period, have consistently acknowledged these men, whose personality have offered her a better leadership and a direction deeply characterized by passion beyond the evil options provided by tanks and guns and swords and bullets. This which was from the beginning of the world has always left it a degree more insecure and sadder than when we met it.
It is because the leaders of today's world have failed to imbibe the role of Christ by coming together for us to build the bridges of peace and at the time be ready to make profound sacrifices for the greatest good and common benefit of all; it is the reason the birth and Easter message of Christ is lost on the world.
But, perhaps our society can rebuild a new, by recapitulating on the necessity for peace, for unity and for a brotherhood of purpose that will leave our state and society a much better place.
In our today's society, people are attempting to depart from the paths of peace and lay in our paths the choice of war and insecurity. I make bold to condemn these steps that have left us in a crucible of avoidable rancor. Let's learn to impact the amazing mind of Christ which guarantees enduring peace. If you select the paths of love, with it we can achieve some extraordinary results; save the people from despair, from hopelessness, from fear, from insecurity and a life of strife.
We can assuage the grieves of our people whose embittered but once useful lives have put our society on the cross roads of agony and avoidable lethargy. Together, we can turn our unhappy society, into a happy one and eradicate abnormal eventualities that can best deliver a great majority of our people from hateful bondage and give robust social and economic health to our society. We can do it; yes we can, if we remove the ever present suspicions existing among us.
It is against the grain of this reality that I make bold to exercise the power of love to speak and offend a syndrome which is not honest in the pursuit of a faith to give the people not only what they want but what they critically deserve the lifting and placing them beyond the cruel economic and social circumstances which they don't deserve to belong, because they deserve more.
Speaking against the background of Christ's philosophy, fellow compatriots, I use this opportunity to promise you a new lease of life a new hope, a refreshing and a life quite invigorated.
Looking at our solemn realities as a dear state and people today, I recall how I had conscientiously made myself acquainted with political and economic circumstances of other countries, with a firm determination to impact such models on my people.
I am determined, imbued with an insight and very courageous to lead you with the fear of God. I am never known to be ambitious to power but have over the years worked hard to impute in myself a sense of patriotism that has not only made me a successful figure within the global sphere, but popular enough to take our people to the expected levels of civilized governance. I am conscious of our present situation, conscious of our wealth. I am conscious of the opportunity that has offered itself and together we can seize on it to impress our visions to the chagrin of other states and people.
Against the present spate of hostilities, I have a remarkable reputation, which if you as a people can believe in, I will bring myself into a work I find very crucial and its overall engagement very important to prosper a tolerable society full of neighborliness and a strong sense of brotherhood.
The decision I now call upon you to make can easily affect the welfare of our state and impact it on the international world. I come to it imploring unity and peace, love and brotherhood. It is essential that for Christ's work to be totally balanced in our midst, I view it as our duty to come together and usher into this state a leadership that will eliminate any cause of worry that may interfere negatively with the usefulness of all of us bound in a productive drive to grow and progress our dear Akwa Ibom State.

It is evident that I am the man. I have so much assurance and self confidence that we can be so quick to attain what we should be if we are decided to cast our lot with our very agenda and prosper our society through love and peace.
There is a wide debate on the station of our present state of affairs which not only our people and our nation, but the world has been looking forward to with the gravest concern. The people can afford to decide on a change in their politics which will vitally affect the future prosperity of the land; and we can make the moment historic, by turning the spiritual instrument of this Easter into strong prayers for a change of our tomorrow.
I believe we will do it now, thinking of the coming change of which I am prepared to offer myself for greater services.
I come to you today preaching love, unshakable faith and hope in the new things to come. But we need a unity of purpose to make this come true.
Come, let's unite as one and together we can succeed and ensure of a better future for our State, our youths and our children. Spread the message of love and not hate.
May God bless you all with the redeeming blood of Christ at Calvary.
Have a sober, reflective and Christ-filled Easter.



Engr. Ini Ekong Udonwa
Governorship Aspirant Akwa Ibom State 2011

IT IS 'NO' TO ANOTHER NORTHERN GOVERNOR AS PRESIDENT

We have a former governor of Katsina State, Umaru Yar'Adua, as President of Nigeria. Like former Governor Victor Attah said in one of his press interviews in recent past; “No one should blame Obasanjo many believe forced the former Governor of Katsina State, Umaru Yar'Adua, on Nigeria because if we knew Umaru was sick and would not perform; why did we vote him?”

Towards 2011 presidency, we hear that governors Saraki, Goje, Yuguda, Shekarau, are all jostling to be the next President of Nigeria, posturing as northern candidates. We can be represented well by persons outside the serving or former governors. One takes a particular exception to Governor Goje's portrays. This particular governor has already given the impression that he is not qualified to represent the north in the capacity of President because his pronouncement in recent time portrays him as second-class personalities compared with people from the south.

Goje it was, at the recent award conducted by a media house where he was the chairman of the occasion that said that a particular publicity-loving governor from the south-south has performed better than them all, including Goje. The inferiority complex in Goje pushed him into putting (as full-page paid advertorial) in national dailies the speech he made to this effect.

If Goje has so advertised, why does he feel that he can now represent the north better? We do not want half-baked. Reading page 20 of Saturday Independent newspaper March 20, 2010 there was this headline “Danjuma Goje's Posters Flood South West.” He should not contemplate that.

Moreover it is not the birthright of any serving or former governor to so ascend to the office of President. We have more qualified persons whose influence can further stabilize Nigeria democratic polity as Obasanjo seemed to have done or started during his tenure as the President.
From: Alhaji Garba Salem, 298 Apapa Road, Ijora-Lagos

EFCC'S FARIDA WAZIRI RAISING UNNECESSARY ALARM

Recently, Mrs. Farida Waziri shouted it loud that 'corrupt' politicians are plotting for her removal before the 2011 elections. I beg to disagree. She may be her own albatross.

Few months into her position; Farida Waziri trying to impress the public that she would work to stamp out corruption from Nigeria. She expressed her disgust noticing for an example, that a first term governor from a southern State was able to buy N1billion property in Abuja within few months in office.

For umpteenth time, writers asked her to name the governor; up till today she has refused to do so.
Secondly, when in 2008 the US embassy drew the attention of the EFCC to an outrageous N1.5billion in a personal bank account statement (that was submitted for purpose of Visa issue) of a Personal Assistant and blood brother to a Governor of one of the south-south States.

To Waziri's EFCC; that was regarded as normal, therefore she found it waste of time investigating such issue.
In 2009, Mrs. Waziri insinuated that most politicians are corrupt to a point of madness and as a result would recommend psychiatric checks for anyone seeking any elective or appointive positions. She also pretended sending a Bill to the Senate, seeking amendment to the Immunity Clause in our country's Constitution; she saw the Clause as an impediment to her job but up till date she has not pursued it. She also mentioned that there are some drug users and pushers as Nigerian governors. She is still waiting for a petitioner before she could investigate the US$3.1m Bank PHB saga.

It boils down that Waziri EFCC's only barks and do not bite. This is why I have to bring in lyrical song of the Lady of Songs Christy Essien which says: “What you say doesn't matter but the way you say it; what you do does not matter but how you do it; and what you promise does not matter but how to fulfil it”. This should be food-for-thought for Mrs. Waziri's EFCC.
Kenneth Abimbola, Esq

BOXER SAMUEL PETER BOUNCING BACK

With the defeating of his Dominican Republic opponent, Nagy Aguilera, in the second round of a fight eliminator on Friday 12th March 2010 in far away USA, Nigerian boxer Samuel Peter is inching to clinching back a lost world heavyweight boxing belt that he lost in 2008 to Vitali Klitschko.

What Peter did to the Domican Aguilera was about what the Russian Vitali did to Peter. Vitali with vitality beat Peter to stupor and punished him to the extent that the referee had to intervene to avoid Peter's death in the ring.
Peter's loss to Vitali Klitschko was somehow divine: He gave God's glory to Governor Godswill Akpbabio of his home State (Akwa Ibom) when he won the heavyweight belt; this was the belt Vital snatched.

Peter attributed his God-given victory to a man (Godswill Akpabio), instead of to God Almighty. It will be recalled that the governor further claimed the God's glory on Peter when he insinuated that it was because he (Akpabio) was governing the Akwa Ibom well that Peter dedicated the belt to him. Not quite long thereafter the blasphemy, Vitali beat Peter to stupor. Peter who suddenly went down the ladder of his boxing career is believed to have learnt his lessons and hopefully would henceforth respect God and not man.


Now, he has started climbing the ladder again. Wladimir Klitschko (younger brother to Vitali) who is holding IBF, WBO and IBO world belts and who also beat Peter on points earlier before Vitali's, fought an American challenger, Eddie Chambers in which he knocked out his challenger in round 12 on March 20, 2010. Vitali now focuses on beating the man described as a mean-fighting-machine, David Hayes in a next encounter.

If he defeats David, he may meet Peter again in the near future and Peter says he looks forward to the fight.

I wish Peter all the best provided he has stripped himself the stupidity for the blasphemy he committed with another.

Option A4 Is The Ultimate To The Electoral Problems We Are Having

Campaigns into the seat of Ibesikpo Asutan in the State House of Assembly in 2011 has begun with aspirants seeking support of political elders ahead of the contest. In this interview with Global Concord, Obong Donatus Noah, former council Vice Chairman bares his mind on who will be qualified to take the coveted seat. Excerpts…

Chief we are happy to meet you today to have your views on certain issues especially politics in Ibesikpo Asutan and Akwa Ibom State in general. But before we proceed and for the interest of the reading public, we want to know who we are speaking with.
I am Obong Donatus Effiong Noah, Iberedem Ekpe of Asutan Ekpe, A political leader in Asutan Ekpe. My village is Ikot Akpaeyoho, a component of Asutan Ekpe community in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. I started my life as a teacher. I Joint the teaching profession and taught for many years and places in Calabar, Akpabuyo, Akamkpa etc. It was in 1983 that I retire from my teaching profession to politics when I wanted to go to council as Chairman in the then Uyo local government council. Well then I did not have the full mandate of my people, not only my people, the people of Uyo. So they did not support me, so I dropped. I contested again under the UPN platform, well since politic is something that is not predictable or reliable, I failed, I dropped again because for one, the election was manipulated. It was full of malpractices involving cheating. Therefore after 1983, I contested to the office of the chairman, the then Ekpe Attai local government, but since the zoning system did not favor me, I was persuaded and voted in as the vice chairman. So from 1991, I was the executive Vice Chairman of Ekpe Atai local government. Since then I actively and fully participated in politics. Well politics by then had meaning. It had a clear significance because during the army regime, cheating and manipulation and all other vices were not welcomed in the first place. Election was then, “you win you win, when you loss, you loose”.
After Ekpe Atai, we came back to Ibesikpo Asutan, I aspired as the chairman of the council but zoning came up again so I dropped the aspiration.

Sir you mentioned the military regime, and you seem to have some faith in their practice because “there were some level of credibility and fairness”; that sounds contradicting to what most people belief that the military brought corruption into politics…
(Cuts in) Anybody that says that the military brought corruption and all these electoral vices is telling fallacy and wrong history. Is saying what is at the level of his knowledge or understanding. It wasn't so because by then something was introduced, I mean a different system was introduced into election or selection. It was option A4. When you want to vote either the Councillor, Chairman, Governor, House of Assembly, Senate, President, you have to start from your village, when you win, you win, when you don't win you don't win. Start from your ward, people cue behind you in the open. That option A4 was very important but is not applicable now…you cannot just come from your village now and go to Abuja and say: “I want to contest as President”, you have to start from your community. Like what happen to Gowon, He Start it from his own ward. There was nothing wrong in that system. No corruption of any kind.

Election is fast approaching, will you recommend that system to the National Assembly who are currently in the process of reviewing the electoral system, will you suggest a return to option A4…
(Cuts in) Yes. I very much would ask them to do something toward that direction. Most of the electoral frauds, those malpractices will be checked and controlled if we go back to option A4

One of the recommendations of Muhamed Uwais committee before the Lawmakers is that the governors who are looking for second term or any political office holder looking forward to re-contest should “step aside” before re-contesting for that office. Do you subscribe to that recommendation?
Yes. My support to that recommendation is very very strong. It is necessary for aspirants to leave of office to give all other contestants some kind of a level platform to marshal their aspiration.

Ok Chief. Let's come back to Ibesikpo Asutan where you are a very senior and respectable citizen. What are the tools used here in selecting people to represent this local government at different levels of government.
In Ibesikpo Asutan, we have Ibesikpo and we have Asutan, two great and big clans. When I was honoured in 1989, my investiture was under the platform of Asutan Ekpe as Iberedem Ekpe of Asutan Ekpe. My investiture was not under the platform of Iwawa or Ndikpo, therefore Asutan Ekpe is supreme and still stand. We had a clan head, former paramount ruler who died recently as an Okuibom II of Ibibio race. He was the clan head of Asutan Ekpe not for Iwawa or Ndikpo. We have one clan head now, Obong Bassey Udo Ekanem, is still the clan head for Asutan Ekpe and not for either Ndikpo or Iwawa.
At the local government basis, we have a mutual understanding between Asutan and Ibesikpo on two key political offices in the council this-the office of Chairman and House of Assembly seat. Earnestly we practice zoning in these offices. This zoning here is not as rigid as you may think. Rigid in the sense that it does not give room for continuity if there is need, Oh no. Ours can be flexible for instance we have the chairman from Asutan now. If he does well I mean outstanding well and there is need for him to be sent back, we can council together with Elders from both clans and continue to cede the office of the Legislature to our Ibesikpo brothers and vice versa. So where there is political maturity you can experience this sort of flexibility. But if this is not the case, after this tenure, the next chairman will come from Ibesikpo while we in Asutan will take turn to produce the House of Assembly member. And I want to clear this; when we say Asutan Ekpe, we want to produce somebody who is credible. We will take matter of credibility into consideration. Is not something that, because it is the turn of Asutan Ekpe, you come out with somebody who is not exposed and lacks the necessary political experience, No, I mean capital No. You can learn politicking as councilor but not at the hallowed chamber where one is expected to bring the experiences he had when he served at different sectors, boards, business etc into state lawmaking for efficiency. It is not business for boys…it is not a place for people who don't know how to work with Elders, No it is not like that again. This time we shall have it on the floor of Asutan Ekpe and the Elders, do you hear me? I mean the elders will look at it carefully and pass a word for the women, youths and entire people of Ibesikpo Asutan, they will be guided. No more will we have people who don't look back home, because they lack love for this people. We want transparency, morality creativity, accountability personified.

You mentioned Asutan and as you did that we know Asutan has two sub clans-Ndikpo and Iwawa…
(Cuts in) Is not yet pronounced. We have only Asutan O, not until we have maybe Asutan Local Government, we may think of dissecting our brothers. Or when we have Ndikpo Asutan Local Government Area. That is when the issue of internal zoning in Asutan will come up very strongly and binding as is between Ibesikpo and Asutan now regarding representation. But now we are on the platform of Asutan Ekpe. We need a very high level of intellectuals, cooperation and sound reasoning.

Sir let us understand the existing arrangement. Are we saying there is no zoning arrangement between Ndikpo and Iwawa onto House of Assembly
Yes. There has not been concrete understanding between the two sub clans. It surfaced few dispensations ago and beside that, there have not been concrete terms of references to guide its operation. Again you have to look at the people involved. We are one people from one source bounded by love and unity. When you mention zoning to this people, you are trying to tell them to divide or break that cord that kept them together. Again zoning came up in many instances because one sub set or clan has undue advantage on politics over others; there is mutual understanding such that dividend of democracy is evenly spread, you hardly will hear any agitation or any demand for turn because most times a friend can be more helpful than a close relative. That is generally speaking. Coming back to Ndikpo and Iwawa, Ndikpo people had prominent men in politics, like David Hanson Inyang … Etim Sam Udo, Etukudo Ibok, (all late) … we have so many people from there who occupied prominent political positions, nobody jealous about it, no body complained because those people were from Asutan and Asutan is for all of us. So there has been this sort of brotherly understanding and co-operation.

Sir, what you are saying reminds me of and advertorial that was published sometimes ago by Ibesikpo Asutan youth groups. They alleged that there has not been zoning of seats between Ndikpo and Iwawa and stated clearly that the next House of Assembly seat should be ceded to Iwawa. What is your view over the advertorial?
What the youths said, though I have not seen it yet, is tilting in fact to the favour of what I'm saying. That this issue of Iwawa and Ndikpo should not be elevated to become a barrier to the development of Asutan Ekpe. Many clans have left us behind. When we want to send somebody to the House of Assembly, the National Assembly, or any other office, let it be somebody who is liberal, let it be somebody that can let the community of Asutan Ekpe have the benefit of democracy not a small boy, … saying this is my turn, somebody who will be able to bring down dividend of democracy, not somebody who will go there and is discriminated, or somebody that is picked or nominated or selected or impose on the people by one man, by a private man, by a local man or whoever because he is in position of authority in the party, saying “you that boy go so you will be loyal to me, He w-i-l-l- n-o-t-g-o-. Asutan Ekpe will sit down and give somebody a mandate, a man or a woman, the mandate of the generality of Asutan Ekpe will be given to somebody upon his good tract records and specific conditions given equally. Not what I'm hearing about some underhand dealing of some people. I say it won't work.

Sir, we learnt that some people are currently or are already lining up for the race to the House of Assembly seat for Ibesikpo Asutan. How do you assess the aspirants and do you have any one of them in your mind?
Em … I have been hearing that some people are warming up, they've not come to me, if they come to me, I can assess them and pitch a tent with any of them if he or she meets these conditions I have told you. If such a person is one who will be accepted by the Assembly of Asutan Ekpe people, I will accept such person and talk about such a person. Well to be very candid, I don't want to tell the Press long stories, there is an Asutan man many elders are eyeing. He is among he aspirants and for reasons hat he is not declared publicly, I will not mention him on air. He occupies a prominent position in a very sensitive commission in this state. He is somebody who can represent Asutan Ekpe people effectively and turn in effective and effective dividend of democracy. I reached my judgment from the fact that he has served in many positions, has gotten appointments at state level and is performing outstandingly well. He has gotten goodwill of many people here in Asutan, He has empowered many women and youths as private individual thereby contributing to the socio-economic improvement of Asutan Ekpe. I can from the little he has done predict that given an opportunity, he can do more for us. he is very liberal, very transparent, very honest, he is qualified morally, academically, socially, is fit for the office. He is the kind of person Asutan Ekpe will look for when the chips are down.

Prior to this interview, Sir, have you been briefed by these aspirants including the man you have mentioned on their dreams for the constituency if elected?
I have not been briefed, but from what we know about most of them, you can see from the distant who that cap fit properly. There is an intelligent and respectful commissioner in that line, we the Elders will go for him. In fact we learnt that groups are falling on themselves in solidarity to him. This time, it will not be business as usual. If the cap does not fit you, you won't wear it.

How will you rate house of Assembly member from this constituency before and now will you give a pass mark on their performances?
Well … em yes. Most of them bought motorcycles and distribute though to me that is not too acceptable, they supported students and made useful contributions at the house, they've tried, they've done every well. The present one has never shown us where he is … he has never shown us his own programme. I belief before the first halve of the year, he will show us his programme.

Alright Sir, let's look at the state government's performance. How will you rate the government of Chief Godswill Akpabio.
Thank you my dear. First, Governor Godswill Akpabio is a good person. He is a very compassionate fellow. He is liberal and very social. He has tried his best. He has performed very well. His performance is worth praises. He deserves thanks from every body. He is a kind man, I like him. If his lieutenants will leave him alone, that man would perform wonderfully well. He has done everything within his own capability and ability to see that Akwa Ibom State feels the impact of his governance. For instance, this village is a small village, he has given me borehole water, you see the school which we have built for centuries, he has renovated it, he has tried as a human being but there are some dubious people in his government. As for the man Godswill Akpabio, the man has tried, I have nothing, I mean nothing to disqualify him. Therefore to me, I give him 99% in his administration.
You speak glowingly about the governor, but sir, we are told greater part of his opponents are from Ibesikpo Asutan.
(Cuts in) Nobody opposes him from Ibesikpo Asutan… nobody opposes him. It is wrong people in the party, the party structure, those who claim they are the party, they claim the hierarchy of the party, it is those people who make or try to cause problem for the man. Those people who are trying to push the elders aside from decision making or common courtesy of consultation and recognition … like myself they said I have retired, Obong Donatus Noah? Azikiwe was respected and consulted by his people; here they talk all sort of rubbish. They don't want elders to advice them. That notwithstanding, everybody, like myself, Obong Donatus Noah, I will ever live to support that man. In the electioneering campaign in Ibesikpo Asutan in 2007, I was the man who presented him to the people of Ibesikpo Asutan. I was the person that received him and presented him, but today ever since he has been there, he has not seen or wants to see me. Not his own mistake, not that he has ignored me, it is the people that are with him that are saying “don't go to Obong Iberedem Ekpe”. That does not deter my decision. I have seen what he has done and stands by what the Ikpaison Anang, Ibibio, Oron say, that they want him. Don't let anybody deceive you in Ibesikpo Asutan we are solidly behind Obong Godswill Akpabio.

Let's look at the possibility of the governor coming to power again in the face of reality. People are complaining of poverty, hunger, lack of funds, insecurity, and considering the recent rating conducted by a certain medium on Governor Akpabio, Senator Udoedehe, Mr. Lary Esin and Engr. Udonwa, Governor Akpabio came below the 1st. What is the possibility that he will be successful in 2011?
Well em, Ibibio use to say that “ke aboyo iso idim, anye amono eyen idim”. Obot Akpabio is an incumbent governor and in the line up, he is the number one … that rating is a paper work … there are some things to be talked about not many that are being heard today. Out of violence, some people may decide to make violence for themselves. It is not Governor Obot Akpabio that is inflicting us with those things. … I don't belief most of these and I don't know and don't want to know, God knows it all (laughs).
Now regarding poverty, hunger, em… well I will agree with you to some extent. Instead of criticizing the governor I will suggest that since many people can't afford two square meals, contract should be given to private individuals, not an all political affairs. Like myself, I am a registered contractor but I have not been given one, and nobody from Ikot Akpaeyoho has been given, if it is done that way, we shall reduce poverty and hunger.

What is your advice to the people of Akwa Ibom State regarding the 2011 election and the people of Ibesikpo Asutan.
There will be no problem, the governorship, the House of Assembly, the chairmanship, all elections will be free and fair. Those people who are interested better work hard. Like the man I've mentioned regarding our Assembly seat, must continue to maintain the goodwill he has gotten. He must continue to be kind and free. All the candidates in every position must work hard because option A4 is coming back. Option A4 is the ultimate to the electoral problems we are having. As for Governor Obot Akpabio, he must work hard, I like him.

Before we conclude Sir, what is your assessment of the performance of the Executive Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area? Has he been able to meet the expectation of the people?
Thank you for that question, my dear. But before I come to that, I heard that this money, this monthly grant does not come directly to them. There are some middle people that siphon the money and give them a little part. If whatever is sent to them from the Federal Government gets to them directly, honestly that boy would have performed miraculously, effectively well, purposefully well. He is one of the finest political products that we have here in Ibesikpo Asutan and Asutan in particular. I am very proud of that boy. But the money is not much. Well he has tried within the lean resources which have been alloted to Ibesikpo Asutan. He has done what others did not do before him. The real essence of Local Government administration has been achieved in this case. In this my own village, he has built a market and in some other places provided sustainable source of portable water, some he gave oil processing mills, he is performing very well. If he was to have enough money he would have performed more than that.