A one day lectureship and 36 year anniversary celebration of the founding of the Church of Christ in Uyo Prison, with the theme: “The great day of the Lord” has been concluded in Uyo prison on Friday, March, 26th. The programme featured presentation of lectures by four eminent ministers of the church, presentation of gift items to inmates, special prayer session, quiz competition by inmates and song renditions.
In his opening remarks, the Minister in charge of the prison Church of Christ, Minister (Barr) Udo C. J. George thanked all the participants for attending the programme and reminded them of the purpose of the programme which he said was to rehabilitate their brethrens who were in the prisons. He further stated that the church was celebrating her 36 years in Uyo prison, adding that in that number of years, ministers of God have been raised from among the prisoners (ex-convicts) who are presently working in God's vine yard in different parts of the world. The minister further told the congregation that the church has also trained many inmates in different vocations providing tools after the training to help them carter for themselves on their release and thanked the authorities of the prisons for their usual co-operation.
Speaking and analyzing the theme, “The great day of the Lord”, Brother Udo Charles of Four Towns congregation of the Church of Christ who read from the book of Amos 5 verses 18-20 said that “the day of the Lord is a great day of joy for those who believe in God, and a day of doom for unbelievers. The minister also looked at the day as the day of judgement, the day of God's wrath and the day of Jesus Christ”.
Elder S. J. Udo who spoke on the topic “Are you prepared” unveiled those things that will happen on the day of the Lord and what people should do in order to be happy on that day. Reading from Matthew Chapter 13 vs 47-50, the Church elder said since the day shall have two things: joy and sorrow, there is need for preparation so as to be on the side of joy.
Also speaking was Dr. Nkop Uduk Etop of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. In his lecture titled, “Staying healthy in Prison Environment”, the minister cited many examples of those who stayed healthy in prisons; some of those he mentioned were biblical Joseph who later became Egypt's prime minister because he stayed healthy in prison, Nelson Mandela who later became the president of South Africa, Martin Luther, etc. He listed some of those things a prisoner has to do to stay and come out healthy and become what God kept for him. He divided those things into two: dos and don'ts. The medical doctor listed the dos to include, having fresh air, taking bath, freeing the mind from hatred, relaxation, drinking clean water, etc while the don'ts include joining bad company, smoking, drinking of alcohol, indulging in unwholesome sexual practices.
Earlier in his opening address, the Deputy Controller of Prison in-charge of prison, who was the chairman on the occasion, Dr. Aloysius I. Uchenwa (JP), said “over the years, the Church of Christ has been contributing positively towards the development of the Nigerian prisons service by touching the spiritual lives of the inmates in particular”.
The prison chief while acknowledging the role played by the Church of Christ, maintained that “the vision of the service is to create a prison system that is able to contribute to meeting the challenges of ensuring a secure and peaceful Nigeria society through implementation of human penal programmes”, adding that the basic aims of the prison service are reformation, rehabilitations and integrations, but maintained that prison alone cannot perform such onerous task without the effective partnership with the Churches. He however, encourage the prisoners to use every opportunity available to them while in prison to repent and say yes to God, and to be creative and seek to live meaningful lives in the prison and after serving their terms.
The programme featured baptism (where six inmates were baptized), donation of a set of dryer to a female ex-convict and donation of a set of clipper and a generator to a male ex-convict. Items donated to inmates were: Holy Bibles, tooth brushes, clothes, food items, slippers, toilet papers and soaps.
Present at the occasion were Elder (Dr.) Obot Essien, Brother Christopher Benson Ekott, Sister, Edoabasi Akpanyang among others.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Trinitarian Social Service
deally and basically, governance sits comfortably on the tripod of effective all-round social service delivery of water, light and roads to the citizenry. Like the Trinitarian God, which is the divine union of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit in one God according to the Christian religion; the Trinitarian Government especially in Nigeria is the union of the federal, state and local governments according to the Nigerian constitution. The Trinitarian social service is the union of water light and roads in service to the people aptly called social service which is a must by government worth the name and knows its unions. Essentially social service is a service that is necessary for society to work properly and is provided by the government / or supported by government money.
Just as Trinity strengthens faith in God, and has given redemption to mankind through His salvation work of trinity so also does a responsible government stand stoutly strong and tall on the tripod of his ability to provide the three basic social services of potable running water, uninterrupted electricity and paved motorable roads as a matter of top priority should by the special grace of government be the people's in fullest measures. In ideal situation in the advanced countries of Europe, America and even the fast developing countries of Asia- (the much celebrated Asian Tigers), “Trinitarianism” of social service is a must, a sine quanon to the people for the masses must be guaranteed 24 hours water, electricity and paved pot hole free roads that are of invaluable service to the people all year round. In highly civilized societies, the provision of aforementioned utilities is not negotiable and debatable, hence the attractive high standard of living enjoyed by the citizens of these countries.
In Africa, these utilities are guaranteed and readily available in the Arab states of North Africa. While in tropical Africa south of the Sahara these are sure and certain only in the Republic of South Africa the hitherto apartheid enclave. The availability of all this social service in these Africa countries could be traceable to their long history of relationship, proximity / or their close and remarkable affinity to the countries of Europe, America/ or Western standards. In tropical Africa i.e. countries sandwiched between Arab North Africa and the Republic of South Africa derogatorily called the “JUNGLE” by developed countries, the home of blacks popularly called black Africa, impliedly as per their skin colour and complexion there's complete and total black-out of these utilities in many countries irrespective of the fact that these facilities had been introduced to them and were working during the colonial era and shortly after their independence.
Regrettably, for the almighty Nigeria- the largest concentration of black people in the world with her population hovering around 150 million people in West Africa, the situation is an apology as it is traumatic, except in the North where the Northern states are so conscious and meticulous and work tirelessly to make sure that of the three utilities, water is made available to the masses may be because of their location in the fringes of the Saharan desert, and failure by the governor to provide “the water of life” can bring down such a government that monkeys/ tinkers with this essential resource; little wonder the entire landscape is littered with dams and hug sophisticated water works capable of pumping and supplying millions of liters of water daily to the public. For the other two utilities apart from their fluctuating hydro- electric light which is the sole responsibility of the Federal Government, their breath- taking roads both federal and states are smoothly paved if they must beat the vast distances between towns and cities. In the South, the south west and South East live in a world of fantasy regarding social service as their roads are riddled with potholes, light and water very infrequent and far between. South West and South East can better be described as home to generating sets including the popular “I beta pass my neighbor” and boreholes indeed “ the home of independent [power plant and borehole owners” and their acquisition is a thing of pride and index of wealth. For the South South, though very rich potentially is a region exploited used, abused and reduced to nothingness by the powers that be indeed has nothing to show regarding social service despite the billions of dollars taken from and sunk in the region. As for roads they had better paddled their canoes and trek on their bush tracks, as for light, their brilliant sunshine and flared gas light are enough to illumine the environment and for water their seas, rivers borehole and copious rainfall are their portion and sufficient to them.
Yeah! Government all over the country in general and the south/ south in particular by being CASUAL or not committed to the holistic provision of basic social service have in installment failed to appreciate the sanctity of human lives and the surest way of getting at this is by optimizing / or maximizing efforts in this direction in order to shed the undignifing toga called slum especially urban slum, for as reported in the recent United Nations' Journal on World Habitat and Environment more than 200 million Africans live in urban slums around towns/ cities with the bulk of it in West Africa and Nigeria in particular. From the foregoing stunning report, social service is a must do for any responsible Government and any Government that is in default or not forthcoming in this wise is a sociopath and indeed a roundabout; for in governance that has what it takes, social service delivery lives and reigns in the unity of uninterrupted light, potable water and motorable roads, one responsible Government forever and ever. Amen.
Anamekere Bassey wrote in from Nsit Ibom LGA
Just as Trinity strengthens faith in God, and has given redemption to mankind through His salvation work of trinity so also does a responsible government stand stoutly strong and tall on the tripod of his ability to provide the three basic social services of potable running water, uninterrupted electricity and paved motorable roads as a matter of top priority should by the special grace of government be the people's in fullest measures. In ideal situation in the advanced countries of Europe, America and even the fast developing countries of Asia- (the much celebrated Asian Tigers), “Trinitarianism” of social service is a must, a sine quanon to the people for the masses must be guaranteed 24 hours water, electricity and paved pot hole free roads that are of invaluable service to the people all year round. In highly civilized societies, the provision of aforementioned utilities is not negotiable and debatable, hence the attractive high standard of living enjoyed by the citizens of these countries.
In Africa, these utilities are guaranteed and readily available in the Arab states of North Africa. While in tropical Africa south of the Sahara these are sure and certain only in the Republic of South Africa the hitherto apartheid enclave. The availability of all this social service in these Africa countries could be traceable to their long history of relationship, proximity / or their close and remarkable affinity to the countries of Europe, America/ or Western standards. In tropical Africa i.e. countries sandwiched between Arab North Africa and the Republic of South Africa derogatorily called the “JUNGLE” by developed countries, the home of blacks popularly called black Africa, impliedly as per their skin colour and complexion there's complete and total black-out of these utilities in many countries irrespective of the fact that these facilities had been introduced to them and were working during the colonial era and shortly after their independence.
Regrettably, for the almighty Nigeria- the largest concentration of black people in the world with her population hovering around 150 million people in West Africa, the situation is an apology as it is traumatic, except in the North where the Northern states are so conscious and meticulous and work tirelessly to make sure that of the three utilities, water is made available to the masses may be because of their location in the fringes of the Saharan desert, and failure by the governor to provide “the water of life” can bring down such a government that monkeys/ tinkers with this essential resource; little wonder the entire landscape is littered with dams and hug sophisticated water works capable of pumping and supplying millions of liters of water daily to the public. For the other two utilities apart from their fluctuating hydro- electric light which is the sole responsibility of the Federal Government, their breath- taking roads both federal and states are smoothly paved if they must beat the vast distances between towns and cities. In the South, the south west and South East live in a world of fantasy regarding social service as their roads are riddled with potholes, light and water very infrequent and far between. South West and South East can better be described as home to generating sets including the popular “I beta pass my neighbor” and boreholes indeed “ the home of independent [power plant and borehole owners” and their acquisition is a thing of pride and index of wealth. For the South South, though very rich potentially is a region exploited used, abused and reduced to nothingness by the powers that be indeed has nothing to show regarding social service despite the billions of dollars taken from and sunk in the region. As for roads they had better paddled their canoes and trek on their bush tracks, as for light, their brilliant sunshine and flared gas light are enough to illumine the environment and for water their seas, rivers borehole and copious rainfall are their portion and sufficient to them.
Yeah! Government all over the country in general and the south/ south in particular by being CASUAL or not committed to the holistic provision of basic social service have in installment failed to appreciate the sanctity of human lives and the surest way of getting at this is by optimizing / or maximizing efforts in this direction in order to shed the undignifing toga called slum especially urban slum, for as reported in the recent United Nations' Journal on World Habitat and Environment more than 200 million Africans live in urban slums around towns/ cities with the bulk of it in West Africa and Nigeria in particular. From the foregoing stunning report, social service is a must do for any responsible Government and any Government that is in default or not forthcoming in this wise is a sociopath and indeed a roundabout; for in governance that has what it takes, social service delivery lives and reigns in the unity of uninterrupted light, potable water and motorable roads, one responsible Government forever and ever. Amen.
Anamekere Bassey wrote in from Nsit Ibom LGA
PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY PUBLICITY/STRATEGIC COMMITTEE OF POSITIVE CHANGE 2011 ON DEFAMATORY PUBLICATION BY “IBIBIBO YOUTH CONSCIENCE”
PROTOCOL:
Ladies and Gentlemen of the press;
Our meeting with you today is necessitated by the desire of this committee and positive change 2011 to put facts straight to disabuse the minds of the general public on the campaign of calumny embarked upon by some groups on the aspiration of Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe as Governor, Akwa Ibom State come May, 2011. That defamatory publication is credited to a non existing group, one Ibibio Youth Conscience and carried by few media houses in the state at the risk of being seen as irresponsible, bias and ignorant of media laws, professional ethics and social responsibility of protecting societal senses against falsehood that are born out of bias and intention to harm.
From our investigations, we have realized that the group, called “Ibibio Youth Conscience” is non existing group. If at all, it exists as a vacuum where sponsored political snipers hide to disseminate falsehood and media attack on perceived enemies of Governor Akpabio's Administration.
We in this campaign team would not have bordered to respond to that ill intended screed, if not to disabuse the minds of the public and to inform them properly since it is generally believed that a misinformed society is a deformed society unfit for habitation by sane minds.
The intention of the said advertorial was to set this campaign outfit on collision with the media in the state as Positive Change 2011 has all legal grounds to take up law suit on the defamatory publication and claim damages. The ploy by the sponsors of the said advertorial is to thwart the effective coverage of events which the media, especially local/privately owned media have given to the campaign for Positive Change 2011.
Upon discovering this intention, ladies and gentlemen of the press, we wish to state as follows:
1. That we in the publicity/ strategic committee for Positive Change 2011 are grateful to the press for the coverage and reportage of our activities so far.
2. That while the media should seek for and obtain adverts for their financial growth, it should not allow themselves to be ridiculed and used by just any group of touts and cultists to rage with bitter falsehood on revered personalities like distinguished Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, a former Council Chairman, Senator and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
3. That the contents of the Advertorial of Ibibio Youth Conscience are false in its entirety, sponsored by sycophants and disgruntled propagandists to ensure continuity of the Godswill Akpabio's Government.
4. That we are not disposed to fighting with the media as the sponsors of this defamatory publication want us to and as such, we advice the media to stop using the said advertorial or any other negative ones in future as they may not only damage our Governorship Aspirant's reputations, but are capable of causing serious disaffection and uproar against the peace of Akwa Ibom State. Just as we are serious minded in maintaining the cordiality existing between this team and the media, we shall not hesitate to demand for compensation on further damages from media houses that may publish defamatory advertorial or negative reports against our Governor-to-be or our campaign organization and damn the consequences.
If the media compromise their profession by allowing themselves to be used to castigate and defame Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe, the people's choice in the 2011 governorship election, what happens if he (Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe) becomes the Governor of Akwa Ibom State come May, 2011? From supports so far received from the public, he shall win the Akwa Ibom State 2011 Governorship election be it on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP) or any other Party we may use to contest the governorship and other elections in the State. After all, PDP is not or will not be our Egypt.
5. The Media must not take side in this struggle, but must give all contestants the opportunity to be heard positively.
6. That those behind the advertorial should come out open with facts to substantiate their allegations, either through documents, photographs or video clips as is obtained in other such allegations outside Akwa Ibom State. Where this is not done, we demand from the group and the media e.g the Community Shield, Community Quest, Global Newstrend, to mention but a few and other newspapers used retractions of that publication and unreserved apology to the people of Akwa Ibom State over such image attack on our Governor to-be.
7. While we anticipate such retractions and apology, we urge the people of Akwa Ibom State to discountenance that gimmick and continue in their supports to the aspiration of Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, a man of great political strength and will to redeem the state, and a man of noble character.
8. Positive Change 2011 is an Akwa Ibom broad political platform highly supported to enthrone people friendly Governor in the person of Senator John Udoedehe in 2011. So far, we have received unprecedented supports from across the State. Just last week, a former Commissioner from Oro Nation donated a storey building at Oron to serve as Positive Change 2011 zonal office for Oron Federal Constituency. We have received sets of computers to equip our campaign office. A group has donated fifty thousand (50,000) T-Shirts, Caps and Umbrellas with Senator John James Udoedehe's insignia for onward distribution when we kick start the campaign, while another group donated two generating sets to give constant power supply to the offices. We are indebted to those donors and we shall not be intimidated by false publications by any faceless group of detractors.
9. That we shall not end this struggle until kidnapping, politically motivated killings, selective empowerment, character assassination, poverty and hunger, cultism and other vices are eliminated from our society. These will be done when Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe emerges as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State come May, 2011.
Finally ladies and gentlemen of the Press, let me seize this opportunity to inform Akwa Ibom people and indeed Nigerians, that Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe Campaign Organization, “Positive Change 2011” is not anti or enemy of Chief Godswill Akpabio's Government as we are being branded to be by the uniformed, irresponsible sycophants and disgruntled people of this State. Members of the Positive Change 2011 are all card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We are not only out to overthrow this government, but all we are out to also achieve is to change a bad to a good and listening government a government that will bring joy, peace, prosperity, harmony and love to all Akwa Ibom People in the years ahead.
This being the case, we should not loose sight of the fact that in a democratic setting such as ours, there must be an opposition. And “Opposition” in a democratic society is always regarded as an alternative Government.
Thank you and God bless.
Rt. Hon. (Obong) Thomas O. Akpan
Chairman, Publicity /Strategic Committee
For positive Change 2011.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the press;
Our meeting with you today is necessitated by the desire of this committee and positive change 2011 to put facts straight to disabuse the minds of the general public on the campaign of calumny embarked upon by some groups on the aspiration of Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe as Governor, Akwa Ibom State come May, 2011. That defamatory publication is credited to a non existing group, one Ibibio Youth Conscience and carried by few media houses in the state at the risk of being seen as irresponsible, bias and ignorant of media laws, professional ethics and social responsibility of protecting societal senses against falsehood that are born out of bias and intention to harm.
From our investigations, we have realized that the group, called “Ibibio Youth Conscience” is non existing group. If at all, it exists as a vacuum where sponsored political snipers hide to disseminate falsehood and media attack on perceived enemies of Governor Akpabio's Administration.
We in this campaign team would not have bordered to respond to that ill intended screed, if not to disabuse the minds of the public and to inform them properly since it is generally believed that a misinformed society is a deformed society unfit for habitation by sane minds.
The intention of the said advertorial was to set this campaign outfit on collision with the media in the state as Positive Change 2011 has all legal grounds to take up law suit on the defamatory publication and claim damages. The ploy by the sponsors of the said advertorial is to thwart the effective coverage of events which the media, especially local/privately owned media have given to the campaign for Positive Change 2011.
Upon discovering this intention, ladies and gentlemen of the press, we wish to state as follows:
1. That we in the publicity/ strategic committee for Positive Change 2011 are grateful to the press for the coverage and reportage of our activities so far.
2. That while the media should seek for and obtain adverts for their financial growth, it should not allow themselves to be ridiculed and used by just any group of touts and cultists to rage with bitter falsehood on revered personalities like distinguished Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, a former Council Chairman, Senator and Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
3. That the contents of the Advertorial of Ibibio Youth Conscience are false in its entirety, sponsored by sycophants and disgruntled propagandists to ensure continuity of the Godswill Akpabio's Government.
4. That we are not disposed to fighting with the media as the sponsors of this defamatory publication want us to and as such, we advice the media to stop using the said advertorial or any other negative ones in future as they may not only damage our Governorship Aspirant's reputations, but are capable of causing serious disaffection and uproar against the peace of Akwa Ibom State. Just as we are serious minded in maintaining the cordiality existing between this team and the media, we shall not hesitate to demand for compensation on further damages from media houses that may publish defamatory advertorial or negative reports against our Governor-to-be or our campaign organization and damn the consequences.
If the media compromise their profession by allowing themselves to be used to castigate and defame Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe, the people's choice in the 2011 governorship election, what happens if he (Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe) becomes the Governor of Akwa Ibom State come May, 2011? From supports so far received from the public, he shall win the Akwa Ibom State 2011 Governorship election be it on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP) or any other Party we may use to contest the governorship and other elections in the State. After all, PDP is not or will not be our Egypt.
5. The Media must not take side in this struggle, but must give all contestants the opportunity to be heard positively.
6. That those behind the advertorial should come out open with facts to substantiate their allegations, either through documents, photographs or video clips as is obtained in other such allegations outside Akwa Ibom State. Where this is not done, we demand from the group and the media e.g the Community Shield, Community Quest, Global Newstrend, to mention but a few and other newspapers used retractions of that publication and unreserved apology to the people of Akwa Ibom State over such image attack on our Governor to-be.
7. While we anticipate such retractions and apology, we urge the people of Akwa Ibom State to discountenance that gimmick and continue in their supports to the aspiration of Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, a man of great political strength and will to redeem the state, and a man of noble character.
8. Positive Change 2011 is an Akwa Ibom broad political platform highly supported to enthrone people friendly Governor in the person of Senator John Udoedehe in 2011. So far, we have received unprecedented supports from across the State. Just last week, a former Commissioner from Oro Nation donated a storey building at Oron to serve as Positive Change 2011 zonal office for Oron Federal Constituency. We have received sets of computers to equip our campaign office. A group has donated fifty thousand (50,000) T-Shirts, Caps and Umbrellas with Senator John James Udoedehe's insignia for onward distribution when we kick start the campaign, while another group donated two generating sets to give constant power supply to the offices. We are indebted to those donors and we shall not be intimidated by false publications by any faceless group of detractors.
9. That we shall not end this struggle until kidnapping, politically motivated killings, selective empowerment, character assassination, poverty and hunger, cultism and other vices are eliminated from our society. These will be done when Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe emerges as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State come May, 2011.
Finally ladies and gentlemen of the Press, let me seize this opportunity to inform Akwa Ibom people and indeed Nigerians, that Senator John James Akpan Udoedehe Campaign Organization, “Positive Change 2011” is not anti or enemy of Chief Godswill Akpabio's Government as we are being branded to be by the uniformed, irresponsible sycophants and disgruntled people of this State. Members of the Positive Change 2011 are all card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We are not only out to overthrow this government, but all we are out to also achieve is to change a bad to a good and listening government a government that will bring joy, peace, prosperity, harmony and love to all Akwa Ibom People in the years ahead.
This being the case, we should not loose sight of the fact that in a democratic setting such as ours, there must be an opposition. And “Opposition” in a democratic society is always regarded as an alternative Government.
Thank you and God bless.
Rt. Hon. (Obong) Thomas O. Akpan
Chairman, Publicity /Strategic Committee
For positive Change 2011.
The “Macbeth” And “Witches” Of Akwa Ibom State
Where shall we three meet
In thunder, lightning or in rain?
Being mechanical, you ought not work
Upon the laboring day!!
- Macbeth
If it were possible, I would have asked that each reader of this piece picks up the book called “Macbeth” written by Shakespeare and read through it from there, the story would be much clearer.
The story, though written in a brief manner, begins like this. The three witches in Macbeth went to him (Macbeth), who was a nobody to inform him about his becoming a king. Despite the fact that the witches informed him (Macbeth) that he would become a king, his ambition or ambitious tendency was further strengthened when the witches informed him that no man born of any woman would be able to overthrow him except the 'Bayan Forest' move to Donsinan Hill. Macbeth, in his characteristic manner screamed, “can it ever happen?”
Macbeth, having received this assurance from the three witches that nothing would ever happen to his throne or his life was then motivated to becoming a kidnapper.
This story is likened or should I say, represents the present administration of Godswill Obot Akpabio whom Etiebet's soul, body and spirit (which represents Macbeth) had informed Godswill Akpabio ( who here represents Macbeth) that he will be a king, not only ordinary, but that which would hold on to power in perpetuity except the “Bayan Forest” ( representing Federal Government) moves to Donsinan Hill (the Hill Top Mansion of Akwa Ibom State). Please, permit me to say here that Etiebet's body, soul and spirit has transformed into the “three witches” while Godswill has transformed into the 'Macbeth' of our time in Akwa Ibom State.
“Where shall we three meet; in thunder, lightening or in rain?” represents the fact that when the three witches met, they asked themselves where they shall meet to perfect their plans. They wondered amongst themselves whether to meet in thunder (representing federal), lightening (representing State) or rain (representing Local Government Area). Etiebet's body, soul and spirit (representing the three witches) have ventured intermittently into politics, aspiring to become the president of the country or should I say “Mr. President”, yet he could not. He became the National chairman of ANPP,-a party noted for its ruggedness and yet, fell from that position to venture into contesting with his nephew for the governorship seat and yet failed. What a shame! The mighty becoming a houseboy to his son whom he is supposed to play a fatherly role as well as an adviser. Perhaps this time around, because he never failed in “attempting” an election, he may or should I say would opt to contest for and or becoming the chairman of a local Government, may be Oruk Anam Local Government Area because, no position is too small for him. Please spare me, should he opt for the chairmanship of “ Anang Local Government” if it does exist?” If he fails in this , may be , he could be appointed a special assistant to whosoever will be the next chairman in any of the two Local Governments mentioned above.
As a result of the visionary nature of the three witches (Etiebet's body, soul and spirit), it has motivated the Macbeth of our time (Godswill Akpabio) that whosoever, from the family of Duncan ( Oron in quote), the family of Malcom ( the Ibibio in quote) who may venture into or agitate to become a king (Governor) be eliminated as Barrister Udonwa who was even not looking for the Governor but only the party chairman. Then the question comes! What about the Ibibios, the Oronians and even the other part of Annang who are aspiring to be the next Governor?
Godswill Akpabio, being mechanical, ought not work upon the laboring day. This means that even if he (Godswill Akpabio) were to be a machine, he ought to rest after the mandatory “four years,” if he (Godswill) still wants to hang on the advice of the three witches as Macbeth did, perhaps, he will say the last words as Macbeth did say-
“ I am tied to the stake;
I cannot fly nor run away.
I must fight the cause.”
For now, I can see the Bayan Forest' (Federal troop) moving to Donsinan Hill (Akwa Ibom, and indeed Hill top Mansion) . Remember what the 'three witches' told Macbeth that his throne will never be shaken EXCEPT the “ Bayan Forest” moves to Donsinan Hill.” If the federal troop have started moving into the state as it is experienced in the last few days/ weeks, picking, picking up those that needed to be picked up, should I say that a state of emergency has already been declared in the state with the self acclaimed “Anang detribalized” 'Macbeth' still holding forth?
In thunder, lightning or in rain?
Being mechanical, you ought not work
Upon the laboring day!!
- Macbeth
If it were possible, I would have asked that each reader of this piece picks up the book called “Macbeth” written by Shakespeare and read through it from there, the story would be much clearer.
The story, though written in a brief manner, begins like this. The three witches in Macbeth went to him (Macbeth), who was a nobody to inform him about his becoming a king. Despite the fact that the witches informed him (Macbeth) that he would become a king, his ambition or ambitious tendency was further strengthened when the witches informed him that no man born of any woman would be able to overthrow him except the 'Bayan Forest' move to Donsinan Hill. Macbeth, in his characteristic manner screamed, “can it ever happen?”
Macbeth, having received this assurance from the three witches that nothing would ever happen to his throne or his life was then motivated to becoming a kidnapper.
This story is likened or should I say, represents the present administration of Godswill Obot Akpabio whom Etiebet's soul, body and spirit (which represents Macbeth) had informed Godswill Akpabio ( who here represents Macbeth) that he will be a king, not only ordinary, but that which would hold on to power in perpetuity except the “Bayan Forest” ( representing Federal Government) moves to Donsinan Hill (the Hill Top Mansion of Akwa Ibom State). Please, permit me to say here that Etiebet's body, soul and spirit has transformed into the “three witches” while Godswill has transformed into the 'Macbeth' of our time in Akwa Ibom State.
“Where shall we three meet; in thunder, lightening or in rain?” represents the fact that when the three witches met, they asked themselves where they shall meet to perfect their plans. They wondered amongst themselves whether to meet in thunder (representing federal), lightening (representing State) or rain (representing Local Government Area). Etiebet's body, soul and spirit (representing the three witches) have ventured intermittently into politics, aspiring to become the president of the country or should I say “Mr. President”, yet he could not. He became the National chairman of ANPP,-a party noted for its ruggedness and yet, fell from that position to venture into contesting with his nephew for the governorship seat and yet failed. What a shame! The mighty becoming a houseboy to his son whom he is supposed to play a fatherly role as well as an adviser. Perhaps this time around, because he never failed in “attempting” an election, he may or should I say would opt to contest for and or becoming the chairman of a local Government, may be Oruk Anam Local Government Area because, no position is too small for him. Please spare me, should he opt for the chairmanship of “ Anang Local Government” if it does exist?” If he fails in this , may be , he could be appointed a special assistant to whosoever will be the next chairman in any of the two Local Governments mentioned above.
As a result of the visionary nature of the three witches (Etiebet's body, soul and spirit), it has motivated the Macbeth of our time (Godswill Akpabio) that whosoever, from the family of Duncan ( Oron in quote), the family of Malcom ( the Ibibio in quote) who may venture into or agitate to become a king (Governor) be eliminated as Barrister Udonwa who was even not looking for the Governor but only the party chairman. Then the question comes! What about the Ibibios, the Oronians and even the other part of Annang who are aspiring to be the next Governor?
Godswill Akpabio, being mechanical, ought not work upon the laboring day. This means that even if he (Godswill Akpabio) were to be a machine, he ought to rest after the mandatory “four years,” if he (Godswill) still wants to hang on the advice of the three witches as Macbeth did, perhaps, he will say the last words as Macbeth did say-
“ I am tied to the stake;
I cannot fly nor run away.
I must fight the cause.”
For now, I can see the Bayan Forest' (Federal troop) moving to Donsinan Hill (Akwa Ibom, and indeed Hill top Mansion) . Remember what the 'three witches' told Macbeth that his throne will never be shaken EXCEPT the “ Bayan Forest” moves to Donsinan Hill.” If the federal troop have started moving into the state as it is experienced in the last few days/ weeks, picking, picking up those that needed to be picked up, should I say that a state of emergency has already been declared in the state with the self acclaimed “Anang detribalized” 'Macbeth' still holding forth?
Con Friends In Conference
There are some people who seek any Connection or pretext, no matter how tenous, to get something for themselves. The reward for such behavior should be equally tenous. In Nigeria, my country, when you have money, everyone loves and cherishes you. Of course, who wants to be identified with losers? With money, even those who never knew you from Adam, even your worst enemies, according to Ukwa, will “claim relationship”. Even if you live in the forest, “friends” will make a beaten path to your door. They will call you “cousin”, “uncle”. Why not, when you are now affluent and influential? Because you are no more a nobody but a somebody, they will say you are the nearest and dearest. Because your bags of money are bursting at their seams, they will say you are the best. They can even say you are divine… mostly because they are not at the giving but receiving end, deceiving to receive.
Mr. Tortoise is a widely loved trickster and wise fool in African folklore . One day friends who loved to hunt came to visit him. “I have brought you a grass cutter I just caught”, he said proudly as he stepped into the house. “It will make a fine dinner”. Tortoise gladly cooked the grass-cutter into a stew, and they sat down to a fine feast. The very next day a stranger knocked on tortoise's door. “Who are you?” inquired tortoise. “I am a neighbor of your friend the hunter who brought you the grass-cutter yesterday”, he said. Tortoise politely invited him inside and set a dinner before him. “These are the leftovers of our grass-cuter stew”, Tortoise said, and the Commissioner for longer throat ate heartily. The very next day another stranger knocked on Tortoise's door. “Who are you?”, asked Tortoise. “I am a cousin of the neighbor of your friend the hunter who brought you the grass-cutter”, he explained. “Come in”, said tortoise (ikut Obong nkari). He sat the man at the table and set before him a bowl of hot water. “What is this”? asked the stranger (owo idiok itong). Tortoise replied: “that is water boiled in the same pot as the grass-cutter of my friend who is the neighbour of your cousin”. “Serves our so-called friends right”, you would say.
Who is a friend? To me he or she is one who comes in first while the whole world has gone out. Such a friend is one who thinks with you, feels with you and according to Shakespeare, bears your infirmities. Though distant he is close to you in spirit. An ardent friend is one to whom you may pour out all the contents of your heart. He is one who brings out the best in you, not a flatterer for selfish gains. He should help you up or better keep you from falling, not the seasonal types who are useful only on sunny or fair-weather days. Remember that your best friend has a best friend and that best friend has a best friend etc. The friend of a friend of a friend, I mean. Think twice, your “friends” may be in meeting hatching some secret agenda. Know what you do and say to your best friend(s). But if it is a good and right act, keep doing it; if it is a good and right word, keep saying it. As a real friend, your friend must be royal through thick and thin, he cannot be replaced. He samaritanously stands by in your hour of need and celebrates your success any time without envy or malice. Shalamar sings “I've got friends!”. Nobody says you shouldn't have them but somebody is advising: mind the type you choose or choose them with care you may become what they are. Aristotle, a giant of philosophy and master of those who know, when asked who is friends were, answered: “Friends! There are no friends”. Friends, no doubt, are indispensable, but they can betray. The very ones you bare your soul to, who dream with you of castle and spaceship; the very ones you share your word of innocence can disappoint or “Judas” you. Oh! That you betray your whole nation than betray a friend! When the hard-hearted jew, Shylock in Merchant of Vanice wanted to extract a pound of flesh from the Vanitian Merchant (Antonio) for failing in a bond he committed himself, Antonio with prepared mind for death, said to his friend “Give me your hand, Bassanio! Fare you well! Grieve not that I am fallen into this misfortune for you, commend me to your honourable wife tell her how I have loved you,! Bassanio, in deepest sorrow, replied: “Antonio, I am married to a wife who is dear to me as life itself, and all the world are not valued by me above your life. I would lose all, I would give all to this devil here to save you”. Friends indeed! They took themselves as extensions of each other. David and Jonathan, another pair of friends in reference. How sincere or true is your personal relationship with your other friend(s)? Personally I appreciate these three groups of friends: those friends who love me, because they are the ones who teach tenderness ; those friends who are indifferent to me, because they teach me to be self-reliant; and those friends who hate me, because they teach me to be cautious. There are not many things so beautiful and uncommon as true friendship. In every heart there is a yeaning for love or caring (I don't mean crush or flaming infatuation; I don't mean love-deluxe, the type you say “I'd die for you, honey” but refuse to die). Akwa Ibom people, please let us nurture or support one another faithfully. Solomon the wise in his Proverbs 18:24 says “he that hath friends must show himself friendly”. Friendship to life, as I see, should be like what the sun is to the sky, a kind of there's no- me without - you affair. Friendship divides your grief and doubles your joy in life. You are not an island nor a lake, entirely on its own; you need somebody to lean on, and somebody needs your shoulder too. It is wise and nice we build relationship with one another otherwise we shall be struggling on our own and never really producing much fruits.
Dear Governor Akpabio, a word to you again: we read and hear respectively from the print and electronic media of kidnapping, cultism and other vices that are turning Akwa Ibom people from hitherto peaceful and respected saints to feared and disreputable devils. The jingles condemn this daily. Whenever I pause and ponder over a possible shame or disintegrity that our beloved state would be thrown into should cultists or kidnappers strike, I shrink and shudder. I want to say I encourage your courage, dear governor, in wanting to stamp out this menace for the general good of the state. Please, go ahead and do that no matter whose ox is gored. You promised “there would be no sacred cows”. Tell your friends what must be told even if it offends them (Ibibio ete owo ama owo, afat idem nkang atuk; owo ama owo atum utebe inua. Annang ete owo ama owo anyai afit ono. My Oron brothers, please borrow me a sentence). In a few words, our digital Governor, mind the tools you use. God told Gideon: “The people are yet too many. You need only a few of the bravest and best men to fight in this battle”. Yours is no battle, no war; it is neither a feud nor strife, but the job of cleansing this God-given state which you are governing. Unuse the useless tools - be they Oruuk, Ukot ye Imaan, be they brothers or friends.
To drive home the story of friends, in a couple of days we shall be commemorating the deathday of the best friend in Christendom, the Justman of Galilee our passionate Christ. “Greater love hath no man“. In the lighter mood, I am wishing that our state will have no more fools but friends from April 1st henceforth. On a serious note, it is my prayer that He (Christ, Eti Ufan Owo), parvilioned in splendor, makes good riddance to every bad rubbish in this state. So, help us, God.
Happy Easter ahead!
Mr. Tortoise is a widely loved trickster and wise fool in African folklore . One day friends who loved to hunt came to visit him. “I have brought you a grass cutter I just caught”, he said proudly as he stepped into the house. “It will make a fine dinner”. Tortoise gladly cooked the grass-cutter into a stew, and they sat down to a fine feast. The very next day a stranger knocked on tortoise's door. “Who are you?” inquired tortoise. “I am a neighbor of your friend the hunter who brought you the grass-cutter yesterday”, he said. Tortoise politely invited him inside and set a dinner before him. “These are the leftovers of our grass-cuter stew”, Tortoise said, and the Commissioner for longer throat ate heartily. The very next day another stranger knocked on Tortoise's door. “Who are you?”, asked Tortoise. “I am a cousin of the neighbor of your friend the hunter who brought you the grass-cutter”, he explained. “Come in”, said tortoise (ikut Obong nkari). He sat the man at the table and set before him a bowl of hot water. “What is this”? asked the stranger (owo idiok itong). Tortoise replied: “that is water boiled in the same pot as the grass-cutter of my friend who is the neighbour of your cousin”. “Serves our so-called friends right”, you would say.
Who is a friend? To me he or she is one who comes in first while the whole world has gone out. Such a friend is one who thinks with you, feels with you and according to Shakespeare, bears your infirmities. Though distant he is close to you in spirit. An ardent friend is one to whom you may pour out all the contents of your heart. He is one who brings out the best in you, not a flatterer for selfish gains. He should help you up or better keep you from falling, not the seasonal types who are useful only on sunny or fair-weather days. Remember that your best friend has a best friend and that best friend has a best friend etc. The friend of a friend of a friend, I mean. Think twice, your “friends” may be in meeting hatching some secret agenda. Know what you do and say to your best friend(s). But if it is a good and right act, keep doing it; if it is a good and right word, keep saying it. As a real friend, your friend must be royal through thick and thin, he cannot be replaced. He samaritanously stands by in your hour of need and celebrates your success any time without envy or malice. Shalamar sings “I've got friends!”. Nobody says you shouldn't have them but somebody is advising: mind the type you choose or choose them with care you may become what they are. Aristotle, a giant of philosophy and master of those who know, when asked who is friends were, answered: “Friends! There are no friends”. Friends, no doubt, are indispensable, but they can betray. The very ones you bare your soul to, who dream with you of castle and spaceship; the very ones you share your word of innocence can disappoint or “Judas” you. Oh! That you betray your whole nation than betray a friend! When the hard-hearted jew, Shylock in Merchant of Vanice wanted to extract a pound of flesh from the Vanitian Merchant (Antonio) for failing in a bond he committed himself, Antonio with prepared mind for death, said to his friend “Give me your hand, Bassanio! Fare you well! Grieve not that I am fallen into this misfortune for you, commend me to your honourable wife tell her how I have loved you,! Bassanio, in deepest sorrow, replied: “Antonio, I am married to a wife who is dear to me as life itself, and all the world are not valued by me above your life. I would lose all, I would give all to this devil here to save you”. Friends indeed! They took themselves as extensions of each other. David and Jonathan, another pair of friends in reference. How sincere or true is your personal relationship with your other friend(s)? Personally I appreciate these three groups of friends: those friends who love me, because they are the ones who teach tenderness ; those friends who are indifferent to me, because they teach me to be self-reliant; and those friends who hate me, because they teach me to be cautious. There are not many things so beautiful and uncommon as true friendship. In every heart there is a yeaning for love or caring (I don't mean crush or flaming infatuation; I don't mean love-deluxe, the type you say “I'd die for you, honey” but refuse to die). Akwa Ibom people, please let us nurture or support one another faithfully. Solomon the wise in his Proverbs 18:24 says “he that hath friends must show himself friendly”. Friendship to life, as I see, should be like what the sun is to the sky, a kind of there's no- me without - you affair. Friendship divides your grief and doubles your joy in life. You are not an island nor a lake, entirely on its own; you need somebody to lean on, and somebody needs your shoulder too. It is wise and nice we build relationship with one another otherwise we shall be struggling on our own and never really producing much fruits.
Dear Governor Akpabio, a word to you again: we read and hear respectively from the print and electronic media of kidnapping, cultism and other vices that are turning Akwa Ibom people from hitherto peaceful and respected saints to feared and disreputable devils. The jingles condemn this daily. Whenever I pause and ponder over a possible shame or disintegrity that our beloved state would be thrown into should cultists or kidnappers strike, I shrink and shudder. I want to say I encourage your courage, dear governor, in wanting to stamp out this menace for the general good of the state. Please, go ahead and do that no matter whose ox is gored. You promised “there would be no sacred cows”. Tell your friends what must be told even if it offends them (Ibibio ete owo ama owo, afat idem nkang atuk; owo ama owo atum utebe inua. Annang ete owo ama owo anyai afit ono. My Oron brothers, please borrow me a sentence). In a few words, our digital Governor, mind the tools you use. God told Gideon: “The people are yet too many. You need only a few of the bravest and best men to fight in this battle”. Yours is no battle, no war; it is neither a feud nor strife, but the job of cleansing this God-given state which you are governing. Unuse the useless tools - be they Oruuk, Ukot ye Imaan, be they brothers or friends.
To drive home the story of friends, in a couple of days we shall be commemorating the deathday of the best friend in Christendom, the Justman of Galilee our passionate Christ. “Greater love hath no man“. In the lighter mood, I am wishing that our state will have no more fools but friends from April 1st henceforth. On a serious note, it is my prayer that He (Christ, Eti Ufan Owo), parvilioned in splendor, makes good riddance to every bad rubbish in this state. So, help us, God.
Happy Easter ahead!
Re: Does Akpabio Deserve His Several Awards By Abasianam Uma
Please permit me to reply to an article hosted in your good publication on 24 th December 2009, in which one Mr. Uma described my sincere observation on the award of UNIZIK honourary doctorate degree to Akpabio, as “what would better described as height of ignorance and perfect display of colonial mentality, oiled with tribalism”. I am an Akwa Ibomite. He went further to describe me as an ignorant fellow. He reeled out what he considered as Akpabio's achievements.
It is very likely that Mr. Uma was among the hundreds of Akwa Ibomites who went to the UNIZIK for simple award of a honourary doctorate degree to Governor Akpabio. If you investigate you would find out that millions of Naira belonging to the people of Akwa Ibom was spent in the process. At Awka, Akpabio and Chief Don Etiebet campaigned openly for candidate of opposing political party and described the former PDP governors in Anambra State as failed governors.
I wonder what airport Uma was referring that was constructed by Akpabio. We are all aware that the airport was initiated by the past administration and when he came to power, inflated the figure by over $52million dollars; yet the main flesh of the airport project which is the Hangar would only be completed by end of 2010, according to him. There was free education up to JSS-3 and this was raised to SSS-3 by Akpabio but yet no single classroom has been added and this situation witnesses the students crowding in classrooms. The Ibom Power Plant project was commissioned by ex President Obasanjo with only transmission line left, and we hear of lies that the Eket and environs have in the last four months been enjoying uninterrupted power supply; the people have protested against this lie. We heard of that 17 dialysis machines were donated to University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; a total lie. We heard of unfounded 3000 projects initiated and completed by Akpabio and when he was asked to name them, he could not, up till date. We heard that Akpabio has spent N210billion on roads as if no road existed before he came to power. Now we hear from Mr. Uma also that the Tropicana is on course and the completion of 'digitalized government house'; what a colonial mentality? Lies are too many. All these are just to justify the ongoing looting of the State treasury.
Can Uma defend the Governor who said that he spent N140m with This Day to bring in foreign musicians for the so-called Peace Concert? In any case, I am in support of the throwing of canned drinks and pure water sachets at the governor that night. How many of our local (Niger Delta or Akwa Ibom) musicians benefitted from that wasted N140million? Or can one talk on the $3.1m cash which Bank PHB is trying to cover up because of threat that if they failed to accept ownership, the State government would withdraw the Accounts with them; let them continue fooling themselves. People know this much.
Mr. Uma can reply to the above and convince the whole world.
Dr. Emmanuel James, Plot 1159 Woji Road, Port Harcourt.
It is very likely that Mr. Uma was among the hundreds of Akwa Ibomites who went to the UNIZIK for simple award of a honourary doctorate degree to Governor Akpabio. If you investigate you would find out that millions of Naira belonging to the people of Akwa Ibom was spent in the process. At Awka, Akpabio and Chief Don Etiebet campaigned openly for candidate of opposing political party and described the former PDP governors in Anambra State as failed governors.
I wonder what airport Uma was referring that was constructed by Akpabio. We are all aware that the airport was initiated by the past administration and when he came to power, inflated the figure by over $52million dollars; yet the main flesh of the airport project which is the Hangar would only be completed by end of 2010, according to him. There was free education up to JSS-3 and this was raised to SSS-3 by Akpabio but yet no single classroom has been added and this situation witnesses the students crowding in classrooms. The Ibom Power Plant project was commissioned by ex President Obasanjo with only transmission line left, and we hear of lies that the Eket and environs have in the last four months been enjoying uninterrupted power supply; the people have protested against this lie. We heard of that 17 dialysis machines were donated to University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; a total lie. We heard of unfounded 3000 projects initiated and completed by Akpabio and when he was asked to name them, he could not, up till date. We heard that Akpabio has spent N210billion on roads as if no road existed before he came to power. Now we hear from Mr. Uma also that the Tropicana is on course and the completion of 'digitalized government house'; what a colonial mentality? Lies are too many. All these are just to justify the ongoing looting of the State treasury.
Can Uma defend the Governor who said that he spent N140m with This Day to bring in foreign musicians for the so-called Peace Concert? In any case, I am in support of the throwing of canned drinks and pure water sachets at the governor that night. How many of our local (Niger Delta or Akwa Ibom) musicians benefitted from that wasted N140million? Or can one talk on the $3.1m cash which Bank PHB is trying to cover up because of threat that if they failed to accept ownership, the State government would withdraw the Accounts with them; let them continue fooling themselves. People know this much.
Mr. Uma can reply to the above and convince the whole world.
Dr. Emmanuel James, Plot 1159 Woji Road, Port Harcourt.
15 Questions For Governor (Barr) Godswill Akpabio And 5 Advices That Landed Ononokpono In Prison Custody
1. Do you suffer squandermania?
2. Can you tell the people of Akwa Ibom State how much you spent when the Nwachukwu panel came on a trip to Akwa Ibom State?
3. Can we Akwa Ibomites know how much have been paid as ransom to kidnappers, e.g chairman of your home local government council and Sen. Aloysius Etuk family member?
4. May we know how much of our state funds you have put in the Anti-Goodluck Jonathan Cult operating in the presidency and other high quarters in Abuja and Arewa Consultative Forum?
5. Please tell the public how much you spend to finance cultism in Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State.
6. Please could you tell us how much you spent on cultists with their black uniform on 5th March, 2010 at the funeral of Chief Tony Emenyi at Oron?
7. How much do you spend to promote ethnic politics in Akwa Ibom State? And how much do you pay for each bill board?
8. kWhy are you fond of abusing insulting and lying against elders? You lied against Obong Victor Attah, and Sen J.J. Akpanudoedehe who are both Akwa Ibom and national figures as you did on 5th March at Chief Tony Emenyi's funeral forgetting that Obong Attah was your boss and former Governor of the state.
9. Are you sure you are a lawyer as you told me when you and I stayed in Udoakaha Esuene Government Guest House in 2003? The way you insult your seniors does not convince me you are learned or civilized or even in fact educated. Your speech mannerism does not portray you as educated.
10. By the way Your Excellency, how much do you pay per square metre on your road contracts?
11. Who is the Grand patron of Cult conglomerate in Akwa Ibom State? Have they all merged into Akwa Ibom progressive front as has been in progress?
12. Are you aware that kidnapping has been virtually done by cultists?
13 Are you aware that you have received in two years what Attah's administration received in eight years?
14. Why did Gen Edet Akpan re-surface a day after the Army issued an ultimatum to you over his kidnap?
15. What is the meaning of Tropicana to the man in the village and how does it benefit him?
MY ADVICE TO HIS EXCELLENCY
1. Funding Anti-Goodluck Jonathan group is a treasonable felony.
2. Do not insult your senior to avoid God's wrath.
3. Do not squander our funds on wicked projects.
4. Stop fanning embers of ethnic hatred
5. Fight cultism in Akwa/ Cross.
Thank you.
Compatriot.
Comrade (Hon) Effiong Ononokpono
NASS 1979 1983 (UPN)
Odobo- Okobo
P.O.Box 296 Okopedi
Okobo L.G.A.
2. Can you tell the people of Akwa Ibom State how much you spent when the Nwachukwu panel came on a trip to Akwa Ibom State?
3. Can we Akwa Ibomites know how much have been paid as ransom to kidnappers, e.g chairman of your home local government council and Sen. Aloysius Etuk family member?
4. May we know how much of our state funds you have put in the Anti-Goodluck Jonathan Cult operating in the presidency and other high quarters in Abuja and Arewa Consultative Forum?
5. Please tell the public how much you spend to finance cultism in Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State.
6. Please could you tell us how much you spent on cultists with their black uniform on 5th March, 2010 at the funeral of Chief Tony Emenyi at Oron?
7. How much do you spend to promote ethnic politics in Akwa Ibom State? And how much do you pay for each bill board?
8. kWhy are you fond of abusing insulting and lying against elders? You lied against Obong Victor Attah, and Sen J.J. Akpanudoedehe who are both Akwa Ibom and national figures as you did on 5th March at Chief Tony Emenyi's funeral forgetting that Obong Attah was your boss and former Governor of the state.
9. Are you sure you are a lawyer as you told me when you and I stayed in Udoakaha Esuene Government Guest House in 2003? The way you insult your seniors does not convince me you are learned or civilized or even in fact educated. Your speech mannerism does not portray you as educated.
10. By the way Your Excellency, how much do you pay per square metre on your road contracts?
11. Who is the Grand patron of Cult conglomerate in Akwa Ibom State? Have they all merged into Akwa Ibom progressive front as has been in progress?
12. Are you aware that kidnapping has been virtually done by cultists?
13 Are you aware that you have received in two years what Attah's administration received in eight years?
14. Why did Gen Edet Akpan re-surface a day after the Army issued an ultimatum to you over his kidnap?
15. What is the meaning of Tropicana to the man in the village and how does it benefit him?
MY ADVICE TO HIS EXCELLENCY
1. Funding Anti-Goodluck Jonathan group is a treasonable felony.
2. Do not insult your senior to avoid God's wrath.
3. Do not squander our funds on wicked projects.
4. Stop fanning embers of ethnic hatred
5. Fight cultism in Akwa/ Cross.
Thank you.
Compatriot.
Comrade (Hon) Effiong Ononokpono
NASS 1979 1983 (UPN)
Odobo- Okobo
P.O.Box 296 Okopedi
Okobo L.G.A.
A Text Message Written By Ononokpono From Prison
"For making a statement on page 11 of The Nation of Thursday 25/3/10, Gov. Akpabio is persecuting me. Arrested same day, detained in police station overnight after searching my house. Now in prison custody in Uyo after manipulating judicial process. I am over 70years with spinal cord illness, my legs are swollen, with no access to doctor/visitors. He boasts I will die here. Please contact other Comrades & do something to save my life.
Hon. Effiong Ononokpono
(UPN Member House of Represenatives, 1979-83)."
Hon. Effiong Ononokpono
(UPN Member House of Represenatives, 1979-83)."
Akpabio, AKPF and Ibibio Ethnic Cleansing
The dreaded AKPF and Akpabio are now in for series fight. The issue is over the Apostle Sam Akpan bid for 2011 Eket Senatorial seat following Akpabio's refusal to support him for senate. The fight is so serious that Akpan boys whose structure Akpabio used for 2007 elections are now being intimidated by Akpabio's foot soldiers using police no less than 2 meetings of the AKPF, the latest being at Etinan LGA. Akpabio's decision to pitch tent with former Minister, Helen Esuene believing that her closeness with General Olusegun Obasanjo would help him out of the logjam, has caused more problem for him as the Sam Akpan boys were all under cultic oath to Akpan and have vowed to fight too. Note, they all have loyalty to Akpan that the reason Akpabio refuses to fund the councilors and local government which setup was under Sam Akpan supervision this was the reason he opted for ADV and ended up with 200 groups to break the monopoly in his normal tradition of replying gratification/goodwill with evil/wickedness, example where the hotel Aqua Resort was bought by him, he promised the former owner, the present chairman of Ini LGA the chairmanship seat and then turned around to support his fellow cultist Etetim Awatim against the man so that he may lose the money. Instances also occur where a certain Ibokette who was the chairman of Annang students and was custody of Akpabio in his apartment for years in Unical and the man who taught Akpabio how to drive and bought him his first ever flight ticket was promised state secretary of the party and after the man spent so much money, he was dumped by Akpabio and I hear that he now lives in penury. I have many instances people he lived with benefited from not to talk of the ones you now know. The Christy Essien's, Ini Fidelis Etim, Udoma Bob Ekarika, Victor Attah etc, his life has the same pattern of deceit in the end.
Currently, he is sponsoring the removal of Ukpabio Ukpa, the Ifim Ibom Ibibio using Robert Obot, the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom in a fight that will cause dire consequences for several Ibibio Paramount Rulers. These men were said to have pasified him at Ifim Ibom burial over a mere condolence. In the sponsored crisis, Akpabio is busy engineering Robert OBot and also telling Akpabio Ukpa he is not responsible for the instigation. I gather he has told the paramount chiefs involved that they should give him the bill for installation of the new Ifim Ibom Ibibio, to further these acts the Ibibio ancestral shrine at Asan has been desecrated by the destruction of the Akai Ibibio and removal of traditional elephant tusk without the custodians doing nothing or not noticing the forest being cleared by bulldozers. When you talk of a planned ethnic cleansing, what is more than these? Because he wants to cause a serious fight between brothers. It must be noted that following the state traditional rulers edict that where a paramount ruler has not been seen for 3 months, another will take place and the elevation of Ukpa from deputy was done and accepted fully by all these paramount chiefs under Attah's government then.
Meanwhile, at a meeting with house members recently, Akpabio asked for loyalty from them at his trying moments and requested their unalloyed support, with that note of defeat from him directly, the politically aware ones have noted as professional politicians the maxim, that “you don't have to be in a sinking ship to die with the captain and are redrawing their maps as the curtain draws up Akpabio.” It will soon be a “to they tent oh Israeal”. I think may not eventually contest the race as minus screening, may like Pharaoh drown in the red seas pursuing the children of Israel. Urged on by crooked pastors and advisers, juju the end draws nearer and like Ceaser Nero when Rome was burning refused to be moved.
In the meantime, his wife and brother Nsetip Akpabio are fighting over supply of tricycle as he intend to add too much suffering in Uyo by banning Okada (commercial cyclists totally) at a time when states like Cross River are buying good quality cars not grey (not fit for use in Africa) Hyundai cars 200 units but removed money for 400 units and post in Akwa Ibom website 1000 units. These vehicles are supplied by his in-laws and they breakdown on reaching 100,000kilometres and have since disappeared from the roads.
Emma Udo wrote in from Calabar, Cross River State.
The dreaded AKPF and Akpabio are now in for series fight. The issue is over the Apostle Sam Akpan bid for 2011 Eket Senatorial seat following Akpabio's refusal to support him for senate. The fight is so serious that Akpan boys whose structure Akpabio used for 2007 elections are now being intimidated by Akpabio's foot soldiers using police no less than 2 meetings of the AKPF, the latest being at Etinan LGA. Akpabio's decision to pitch tent with former Minister, Helen Esuene believing that her closeness with General Olusegun Obasanjo would help him out of the logjam, has caused more problem for him as the Sam Akpan boys were all under cultic oath to Akpan and have vowed to fight too. Note, they all have loyalty to Akpan that the reason Akpabio refuses to fund the councilors and local government which setup was under Sam Akpan supervision this was the reason he opted for ADV and ended up with 200 groups to break the monopoly in his normal tradition of replying gratification/goodwill with evil/wickedness, example where the hotel Aqua Resort was bought by him, he promised the former owner, the present chairman of Ini LGA the chairmanship seat and then turned around to support his fellow cultist Etetim Awatim against the man so that he may lose the money. Instances also occur where a certain Ibokette who was the chairman of Annang students and was custody of Akpabio in his apartment for years in Unical and the man who taught Akpabio how to drive and bought him his first ever flight ticket was promised state secretary of the party and after the man spent so much money, he was dumped by Akpabio and I hear that he now lives in penury. I have many instances people he lived with benefited from not to talk of the ones you now know. The Christy Essien's, Ini Fidelis Etim, Udoma Bob Ekarika, Victor Attah etc, his life has the same pattern of deceit in the end.
Currently, he is sponsoring the removal of Ukpabio Ukpa, the Ifim Ibom Ibibio using Robert Obot, the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ibom in a fight that will cause dire consequences for several Ibibio Paramount Rulers. These men were said to have pasified him at Ifim Ibom burial over a mere condolence. In the sponsored crisis, Akpabio is busy engineering Robert OBot and also telling Akpabio Ukpa he is not responsible for the instigation. I gather he has told the paramount chiefs involved that they should give him the bill for installation of the new Ifim Ibom Ibibio, to further these acts the Ibibio ancestral shrine at Asan has been desecrated by the destruction of the Akai Ibibio and removal of traditional elephant tusk without the custodians doing nothing or not noticing the forest being cleared by bulldozers. When you talk of a planned ethnic cleansing, what is more than these? Because he wants to cause a serious fight between brothers. It must be noted that following the state traditional rulers edict that where a paramount ruler has not been seen for 3 months, another will take place and the elevation of Ukpa from deputy was done and accepted fully by all these paramount chiefs under Attah's government then.
Meanwhile, at a meeting with house members recently, Akpabio asked for loyalty from them at his trying moments and requested their unalloyed support, with that note of defeat from him directly, the politically aware ones have noted as professional politicians the maxim, that “you don't have to be in a sinking ship to die with the captain and are redrawing their maps as the curtain draws up Akpabio.” It will soon be a “to they tent oh Israeal”. I think may not eventually contest the race as minus screening, may like Pharaoh drown in the red seas pursuing the children of Israel. Urged on by crooked pastors and advisers, juju the end draws nearer and like Ceaser Nero when Rome was burning refused to be moved.
In the meantime, his wife and brother Nsetip Akpabio are fighting over supply of tricycle as he intend to add too much suffering in Uyo by banning Okada (commercial cyclists totally) at a time when states like Cross River are buying good quality cars not grey (not fit for use in Africa) Hyundai cars 200 units but removed money for 400 units and post in Akwa Ibom website 1000 units. These vehicles are supplied by his in-laws and they breakdown on reaching 100,000kilometres and have since disappeared from the roads.
Emma Udo wrote in from Calabar, Cross River State.
ONOKPONO WRITESAKPABIO FROM PRISON
Dust raised by the arrest and arraignment of High Chief Effiong Eso Ononokpono by Chief Godswill Akpabio is yet to rest as groups within and outside Oro nation are threatening fire should the former lawmaker be subjected to further intimidation and harassment. Chief Ononokpono was arrested Thursday, March 25 and arraigned in Magistrate's Court 1 presided over by Magistrate Edet Obot the following day on grounds of defamation of character of Gov. Akpabio through a paid advertorial in the Nation Newspaper of Thursday March, 25th 2010. The advertorial is alleged to have caused alarm and tension in the State as well as bringing public hatred to the Governor.
But in a swift reaction, a group of Oro elders and youths under the aegis of Oro Nations Forum condemned the arrest and urged the state government to work towards immediate release of Chief Onokpono or risk their anger which according to them will be shown in open detest and hatred to his government and his second term ambition. According to the group, who spoke at Oron on Saturday through its coordinator, Chief Edet Eyongette, democracy cannot survive if responsible individuals fail to hold the government accountable on problems threatening the peace and development of the society. They said the arrest of the former lawmaker was to “disintegrate Oro nation especially as the general election was drawing closer. This is what is happening to the Ibibio, it is a divide and rule antics which has been adopted by this government at several instances. Regrettably, our sons in government are agents of destabilization. There is no way they would have condescended to being used by the government to victimize our people here in Oro nation. You know the Attorney general is our son and is now used in a suit against a father and senior citizen of Oro nation on a flimsy pretence. Pastor Oyong is equally not able to advise the governor to tolerate Chief Ononokpono's advice…but at the end we shall tell them that politics is not a platform to ride on the elders because most of us have been there”
The group while venting their spleen on the refusal of the presiding Magistrate to grant the accused bail called on the governor to work more on providing effective leadership to the state as well as reconciling with suggestions that can move the state forward.
Another indigene of Oro nation and an ex commissioner who spoke on condition of anonymity condemned in strong terms the arrest, saying it has sent wrong signal to the people of Oro nation by the governor. His words: “it is a slap on Oro nation for a man like Ononokpono to be treated like a child simply because he faulted some behaviors of Chief Akpabio. What the government fails to know is that not all people will keep quiet even when they are in great pains. Ononokpono is a fearless person who likes telling his story without fear or favor, affection or ill-will. In fact, the governor has failed to know that Chief Ononokpono commands a lot of followers in Oro nation, and he is one of the respected persons we have here. Therefore, whatever derogation and pain meted on him by the governor affects the entire Oro nation.”
Drawing his attention to a paid advertorial on page 15 of Weekly Insight newspaper by a group of Oro youths under the auspices of Project 4+4=8, with the caption; “Re: Question for Governor (Barr) Godswill Akpabio by Comrade (Hon) Effiong Ononokpono”, the erudite politician said that: “the advert is done by a group of peanut-seeking youths of Oro who are ready to kill their fathers and brothers for their selfish interest''.
In a separate interaction with newsmen during the commissioning of Senator Udoedehe's campaign Office at Oron penultimate weekend, a politician who has pitched his tent with Senator Udoedehe said “it is unfair for Ononokpono to be treated that way as if it was in a non-democratic dispensation. It is very unfortunate because in a democratic setting, everybody is entitled to say what he feels. When somebody says something that does not go down well with you, it is for you to defend your side. Whoever aspires to be a leader, be a governor or be a president is a property of the community. Every member of the society has the right to criticize. It is in your position to defend your own side. Not to arrest, and the impression that is created is unnecessary. Every Akwa Ibom has the right to comment, commend and disagree. In fact, it is unfortunate and does not occur well in a democratic dispensation.”
In a related development, a prominent son of Uyo, a one time minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe faulted Chief Akpabio over the arrest and detention of Chief Ononokpono, an action he said has proven that the governor is using his position to victimize the people of the state. In an advertorial carried by most media in the country, Senator John Udoedehe said: “ On Thursday, March 25th 2010 on page 11 of the Nation Newspaper, a Distinguished and Honorable statesman, Comrade (Hon) Effiong Ononokpono published 15 (fifteen) questions for the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, to answer. Still in that publication, this veteran of decent and open politics of the good days of yore offered His Excellency the Governor of Akwa Ibom State 5(five) pieces of advice.
“On that same Thursday March 25th 2010, in his reaction to the publication, His Excellency the governor, in a remarkable show of paranoia and intolerance that has characterized his administration, sent a team of armed policemen to Odobo-Okobo the home of Comrade Ononokpono to arrest and take the old man to the State Police Headquarters, Uyo where he was detained in the police cell after an intense and punitive interrogation. Later that same day, the old man was removed from the cell and taken to his home stead in Odobo-Okobo where his private residence was turned upside down in the name of conducting a search. The police had no search warrant. On Friday the 26th of March, 2010, Comrade Ononokpono was arraigned in the Uyo Chief Magistrate's Court No.1 presided over by Chief Magistrate Edet Obot on a two count charge of criminal defamation and causing alarm to the public. These two offences are misdemeanors and are bailable offences. Despite the presumption of innocence of the accused in law and the obvious deteriorating health of Comrade Ononokpono, an old man of 75 years of age, and despite the passionate plea of learned defense counsel for the bail of the accused, the learned Chief Magistrate Edet Obot ordered the old man with a life-threatening medical condition to be remaneded in prison custody in the Federal Prison, Uyo and adjourned the case to the 14th of May, 2010.
“Now, Comrade Ononokpono is in prison custody for daring to ask the questions which every citizen of Akwa Ibom State is entitled to ask of his or her governor and government. Comrade Ononokpono is in prison for offering 5 pieces of advice to His Excellency the governor on the path to peace and good governance in Akwa Ibom State. The basic principles of democracy contain intrinsically the right of the citizen to open and acceptable government and the right to ask question of his or her leaders. Regrettably, in Akwa Ibom State, a Gestopo style of governance, brooking no opposition or dissenting view is fast emerging with the leadership of Governor Akpabio. When His Excellency, Arch (Obong) Victor Attah was the governor of Akwa Ibom State. Some well known and respected citizens of the state persistently expressed their views and opinions in national and local newspapers and magazines against the government in power at that time. There was no arrest or detention of these individuals and they went about their private and official endeavors in and out of Akwa Ibom State freely. Now there is palpable fear and depression in our dear state created by the blinding intolerance and desperate desire of one man, Governor Godswill Akpabio to continue in office beyond 2011.
“Akwa Ibom State and its people now live in constant fear of kidnappers and general insecurity.
“Comrade Ononokpono is a sick old man. I pray that nothing happens to him in incarceration. Above all I pray for Akwa Ibom State and the people of Akwa Ibom state that God in His infinite mercies will deliver us from the hands of the destructive tyranny that has risen up like a monster in our dear state”.
Another indigene of Oro nation and an ex commissioner who spoke on condition of anonymity condemned in strong terms the arrest saying it has sent wrong signal to the people of Oro nation by the governor. His words: “it is a slap on Oro nation for a man like Ononokpono to be treated like a child simply because he faulted some behaviors of Chief Akpabio. What the government fails to know is that not all people will keep quiet even when they are in great pains. Ononokpono is a fearless person who likes telling his story without fear or favor, affection or ill-will. In fact, the governor has failed to know that Chief Ononokpono commands a lot of followers in Oro nation, and he is one of the respected persons we have here. Therefore, whatever derogation and pain meted on him by the governor affects the entire Oro nation.”
Drawing his attention to a paid advertorial on page 15 of Weekly Insight newspaper by a group of Oro youths under the auspices of Project 4+4=8, with the caption; “Re: Question for Governor (Barr) Godswill Akpabio by Comrade (Hon) Effiong Ononokpono”, the erudite politician said that: “the advert is done by a group of peanut-seeking youths of Oro who are ready to kill their fathers and brothers for their selfish interest
“You see, you can only survive or lick your fingers in Akpabio's administration only if you turn into a sycophant singing praises where they are not necessary and condemning those they see as governor's enemies publicly''.
Speaking to Global Concord during the commissioning of Senator Udoedehe's campaign Office at Oron penultimate weekend, the politician who has now pitched his tent with Senator Udoedehe said “it is unfair for Ononokpono to be treated that way as if it was in a non-democratic dispensation, it is very unfortunate because in a democratic setting, everybody is entitled to say what he feels. When somebody says something that does not go down well with you, it is for you to defend your side. Whoever aspires to be a leader, be a governor or be a president is a property of the community. Every member of the society has the right to criticize. It is in your position to defend your own side. Not to arrest, and the impression that is created is unnecessary. Every Akwa Ibom has the right to comment, commend and disagree. In fact, it is unfortunate and does not occur well in a democratic dispensation.”
On why he decided to align with Senator AkpanUdoedehe, the Seasoned politician and mafia of Oron politics (whose name is withheld by us) said: “I do appreciate Positive Change and I am a part of it, and I believe there's going to be a change. When you see a fighter, you have to align with him. John has been a fighter and when you look at the positive change we are having are in this state, it is as a result of a fighter. Right now, people are enjoying the result of that fighter and I believe in fighters. And somebody who has an open mind and open ears is a good leader. I like John and I promise to support him and I am supporting him.”
Meanwhile, Hon.Ononokpono was on Friday, the 16th day of march 2010 remanded in prison custody until May14,2010, by the Chief Magistrate's Court sitting in Uyo, following his paid advertorial in The Nation newspaper of Thursday 24th March 2010 where he asked the governor 15 questions and gave 5 advice to him which turned to irk the governor.
The arraignment in court of the 70years Old Okobo High Chief followed the search of his house by the state police headquarters, Ikot Akpanbia. The charge sheet No:MU/106/2010, titled; “ Commissioner of Police Vs Effiong Ononokpono, “ reads in part; “ that you Effiong Ononokpono (m) on the 25th day of March, 2010 published false news in the Nation Newspaper of 25th March, 2010 to the effect that the Government of Akwa Ibom State is using public funds to sponsor cultism in Akwa Ibom State with intent to cause alarm to the public and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 66(1) of the criminal code cap.38, vol.11, laws of Akwa Ibom State 2010.
“Count two, that you Effiong Ononokpono on the 25th day of March, 2010 published defamatory matter in the Nation Newspaper of 25th March,2010 to effect that the government of Akwa Ibom State has been paying ransom to kidnappers knowing same to be false and thereby committed and offence contrary to section 384 of the criminal code cap.38, vol.ii, laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria 2000.
The permanent secretary in the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General, Mr.Donatus Archibong was the prosecuting counsel, while Barr.Francis Ekanem led other prominent lawyers like Barr.Joe Ukpong, Barr. Nyong Nyong and Barr. Nkereuwem Udofia to defend Comrade Ononokpono.
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