In every Traditional Society the world over, there exist a monarch, king, emperor, chief or generally, a traditional father who is the custodian of the norms, values, customs, beliefs, culture, and tradition of such societies.
These people (the Traditional Fathers) have certain things embedded in them and are often times treated with a high level of respect. They are often referred to as 'tin-gods'.
In the Northern part of Nigeria, we have the Emirs. In the west, we have the Alaafins and Obas. In the East and probably south-south, we have the Igwes, the Obongs, the Amanyanabos, etc. When once one is known and addressed as His Royal Highness or His Royal Majesty, it is obvious without being told, that such a person carries an insignia of traditional office which surpasses any other office and deserves to be respected and honored.
They are referred to as 'tin-gods', yes, because of what they stand for. In the old Oyo Empire, in the period before 1800, there was a king known as the Alaafin. Although he was a supreme king, he was not a dictator. He ruled according to the wise advice of the council.
In the present dispensation, we have our traditional fathers who also rule in accordance with wise advice by the council. It is not always easy for one to ascend such throne or position but where this happens, all the gods, goddesses, heathens, etc, are imbued upon him. He becomes very sacred and revered. Does it not make sense therefore that such a person should be feared or needed to be afraid of or put it right, respected?
When the Paramount Ruler of Okobo Local Government Area was abducted or kidnapped, people thought it was mere story. The government themselves never took it seriously that a royal father has been kidnapped by unknown persons. He was left in the hands or at the mercy of the hooligans or “custodians” for several days under severe torture. The way and manner the Royal Father was taken away from his domain, leaves a serious question as to the security of individuals such office in the state. The action amounts to the fact that the position of a Traditional Father in the state of his domain has been seriously threatened and undermined.
When a military General was abducted or kidnapped right inside the church, leaving two dead, many innocent souls wounded and some lying in their pool of blood, the state went agog. Apologies were rendered without reservation from the ranks and file up to a point that the Governor himself had to “forcefully” worship in the church the next Sunday, promising heaven and earth to the families of the deceased and even to the monumental edifice called 'the church'.
While the Ibom Women prayed for God's vengeance in the circumstance the same week, the traditional father-Paramount Ruler of Okobo Local Government Area was kidnapped in a manner that has left trace of the perpetrators of this dastardized act. Since then, no apology has been heard from any quarter nor any visitation made. What a horrible and crooked world. Does it actually mean that our Traditional Fathers do not and should not have a say in what goes on wrongly in the state? Wait a minute! Could it be that the kidnap was “masterminded”?
Perhaps, this action and the silence from the highest quarters, most especially as it affects a Royal Father, is a potent signal to other Traditional Fathers who, instead of completely isolating themselves from politics or remain apolitical, tend to be enmeshed in the politics of the day or “politik” with reckless abandon with royal largesse attached thereto.
With the recent kidnapping of the Paramount Ruler of Okobo Local Government Area, the question that should be crossing the minds of others should be: what is the immediate or remote cause of the kidnap of one of us? Is it masterminded or caused by communal feuds? What shall we do to curb the possible recurrence? Perhaps, giving a thought to these questions and many others may not be the pre-occupation of our royal fathers but one question that eludes or defies an answer is: who will be the next to be kidnapped?
It is said on arbitrary grounds that somebody has stolen a television set without any grounds or proofs, it is really a calculated misnomer and absolutely suicidal on the part of the person so accused. This is no more an ordinary imagination or something said on arbitrary grounds. It is proven beyond every reasonable doubt that the world and even the child yet unborn, is aware of the fact that this action actually occurred and no one, not even the government has made any comment about it.
It is, indeed, a sad story that a monarch, who is to be treated royally, is reduced to a level which, even a criminal with human life caught in the act, cannot be reduced to.
In this circumstance therefore, the adage that the king does no wrong, is completely an illusion. What impression would people from outside have about our dear state-Akwa Ibom, known for its perfect calm and tranquility, devoid of riot, violence and intransigence in the past? The time to stem this tide which is fast condemning and eroding our past glory and humane nature, is NOW.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Touting For a Living?
From very humble background and origins, touting has graduated/translated from being an undignified occupation for the lowly unemployed folks to the attractive, juicy, lucrative and even executive dimension it has attained especially in some jobs/trades in contemporary Nigerian society.
A tout is someone who praises something/someone in order to persuade people that they are important or worth a lot for patronage like ticket touts, insurance touts, political touts loading/passenger touts, etc. Therefore touting is the art of introducing/selling goods or services to people passing on the streets or visiting a place. They buy tickets for concerts, sports, games, matches, airplanes, taxis/buses/coaches, hotels etc and sell them at exorbitant prices and smile home daily with the profits made. Touting is carried out everywhere especially at markets/shops, motor parks/stations, air/seaports, court premises, (by lawyers), churches (touts distribute tracts/pamphlet at the vicinity of some big churches to attract members/converts to their churches/or progammes.
At schools/higher institutions touts/or expo exponents operate confidently giving fake/or real questions to students and offering to write projects/exams for weak/lazy students, procuring fake admissions for students, even fake NYSC call up letters for graduating students/graduates. Others include touting for real estate agents/landlords.
Recently, especially since the return of party politics, political touts executively called Personal Assistants (PA's) have been having a field-day dancing appearances around big/popular politicians just to persuade voters to appreciate their candidates. Touting as mentioned above is mostly carried out by energetic young men and women, boys and girls some qualified like lawyers and majority largely not qualified and unemployed who eke out a living via touting. Why then is touting attractive? Touting is attractive for it requires little or no training (except in specialized fields like law), all that is needed is to declare interesting a particular job/trade and just get apprenticed to the senior or pay a token with some money or some bottles of beer and other alcoholics.
Touting provides gainful employment for a living to those who would otherwise have remained unemployed. Touting affords practitioners good money and wealth in the case of PA's to politicians who are really living big with massionettes, flashy cars and fat bank accounts. It affords them cheap popularity for it enables them to interact with personalities and crème-de-la-crème that patronize them like those touting for politicians, posh hotels and hospitality outfits.
Except in the motor parks, touts are almost always neat and well dressed for they got to look good and attractive to roundly convince their clients that they have what it takes. Just as touting is attractive, it also has its otherness/disadvantages. Touts and touting are nuisances to contend with because they pollute, debase and defile the environment they operate with gratuitous violence and impunity, e.g. in the motor parks touts haggle, to have quarrel, fight, maim and even kill in their quest to outdo each other and gain undue advantage/favor.
This is so particularly in their foolhardy attempt to catch more passengers and in the parks as stated above in order to acquire enough energy and boldness for the job they consume large doses of cannabis/Indian hemp, cigarettes, alcohol, especially native gin alias kai kai/ufofop stuffed with roots/leaves/herbs called “mix me”.
Touting corrupts our youths who would have been useful elsewhere for they regard it is a cheap way of making money. No wonder young graduates now shamelessly apply to politicians and money bags to be recruited as executive touts called P.As. Touting also discourages hard work, also encourages idleness and laziness for it makes youths detest skill acquisition and paid employment in the civil/public service or companies because of low remuneration. Touting especially in the motor parks makes our youths who unfortunately are into this business to showcase a good deal of immoral behaviour who in some cases act as agents to conmen at the end of their business during the day, hence most touts in some jobs become unctuous in their desperate efforts to get what they want.
Touting sends wrong signals to the youths who abandon their legitimate trades and academic activities because they want to make it as touts who now act as role models to them especially political touts.
Does touting have a future, yes and very futuristic so long as society and our colonial system of education have no promising future for the youths; so long as there is unemployment; so long as society is straitjacketed by corruption, so long as pecuniary politics as crudely practiced now prevails and so long as there is crazy quest for quick money/fame, touting for a living will continually be an in-thing for our vulnerable teeming youths.
A tout is someone who praises something/someone in order to persuade people that they are important or worth a lot for patronage like ticket touts, insurance touts, political touts loading/passenger touts, etc. Therefore touting is the art of introducing/selling goods or services to people passing on the streets or visiting a place. They buy tickets for concerts, sports, games, matches, airplanes, taxis/buses/coaches, hotels etc and sell them at exorbitant prices and smile home daily with the profits made. Touting is carried out everywhere especially at markets/shops, motor parks/stations, air/seaports, court premises, (by lawyers), churches (touts distribute tracts/pamphlet at the vicinity of some big churches to attract members/converts to their churches/or progammes.
At schools/higher institutions touts/or expo exponents operate confidently giving fake/or real questions to students and offering to write projects/exams for weak/lazy students, procuring fake admissions for students, even fake NYSC call up letters for graduating students/graduates. Others include touting for real estate agents/landlords.
Recently, especially since the return of party politics, political touts executively called Personal Assistants (PA's) have been having a field-day dancing appearances around big/popular politicians just to persuade voters to appreciate their candidates. Touting as mentioned above is mostly carried out by energetic young men and women, boys and girls some qualified like lawyers and majority largely not qualified and unemployed who eke out a living via touting. Why then is touting attractive? Touting is attractive for it requires little or no training (except in specialized fields like law), all that is needed is to declare interesting a particular job/trade and just get apprenticed to the senior or pay a token with some money or some bottles of beer and other alcoholics.
Touting provides gainful employment for a living to those who would otherwise have remained unemployed. Touting affords practitioners good money and wealth in the case of PA's to politicians who are really living big with massionettes, flashy cars and fat bank accounts. It affords them cheap popularity for it enables them to interact with personalities and crème-de-la-crème that patronize them like those touting for politicians, posh hotels and hospitality outfits.
Except in the motor parks, touts are almost always neat and well dressed for they got to look good and attractive to roundly convince their clients that they have what it takes. Just as touting is attractive, it also has its otherness/disadvantages. Touts and touting are nuisances to contend with because they pollute, debase and defile the environment they operate with gratuitous violence and impunity, e.g. in the motor parks touts haggle, to have quarrel, fight, maim and even kill in their quest to outdo each other and gain undue advantage/favor.
This is so particularly in their foolhardy attempt to catch more passengers and in the parks as stated above in order to acquire enough energy and boldness for the job they consume large doses of cannabis/Indian hemp, cigarettes, alcohol, especially native gin alias kai kai/ufofop stuffed with roots/leaves/herbs called “mix me”.
Touting corrupts our youths who would have been useful elsewhere for they regard it is a cheap way of making money. No wonder young graduates now shamelessly apply to politicians and money bags to be recruited as executive touts called P.As. Touting also discourages hard work, also encourages idleness and laziness for it makes youths detest skill acquisition and paid employment in the civil/public service or companies because of low remuneration. Touting especially in the motor parks makes our youths who unfortunately are into this business to showcase a good deal of immoral behaviour who in some cases act as agents to conmen at the end of their business during the day, hence most touts in some jobs become unctuous in their desperate efforts to get what they want.
Touting sends wrong signals to the youths who abandon their legitimate trades and academic activities because they want to make it as touts who now act as role models to them especially political touts.
Does touting have a future, yes and very futuristic so long as society and our colonial system of education have no promising future for the youths; so long as there is unemployment; so long as society is straitjacketed by corruption, so long as pecuniary politics as crudely practiced now prevails and so long as there is crazy quest for quick money/fame, touting for a living will continually be an in-thing for our vulnerable teeming youths.
Forum Of Youth Council Chairmen Lauds Itu Chairman
The Forum of Youth Council Chairmen in Uyo Senatorial District recently paid a visit to Itu Local Government Area. This was part of their ongoing sensitization program for youths of the state against social vices.
During the visit, the forum took sightseeing on projects embarked by Itu council boss, Mr. Michael James Etim.
While taking the visiting chairmen round the projects which included a sixteen (16) room office block, renovation of council secretariat, security village, generating set for council use and M.C.H block, the chairman of Itu Youth Council, Mr. Otobong Okpongkpong said the projects were people-oriented aimed at transforming the lives of the people of the area.
Reacting, the Uyo Youth Council Chairman, Mr. Ifiok George commended the council helmsman, Mr. Michael James for his effort towards developing the area, and described him as a youth ambassador and God-sent to the people of Itu Local Government Area. He urged the people of Itu LGA to support Mr. Etim led administration and by extension the government of His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio.
During the visit, the forum took sightseeing on projects embarked by Itu council boss, Mr. Michael James Etim.
While taking the visiting chairmen round the projects which included a sixteen (16) room office block, renovation of council secretariat, security village, generating set for council use and M.C.H block, the chairman of Itu Youth Council, Mr. Otobong Okpongkpong said the projects were people-oriented aimed at transforming the lives of the people of the area.
Reacting, the Uyo Youth Council Chairman, Mr. Ifiok George commended the council helmsman, Mr. Michael James for his effort towards developing the area, and described him as a youth ambassador and God-sent to the people of Itu Local Government Area. He urged the people of Itu LGA to support Mr. Etim led administration and by extension the government of His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio.
Yar'Adua May Be Impeached Soon As Bakare, Others Pressure N/Assembly
Indications emerged last week that President Umaru Yar'Adua may be impeached by the National Assembly to pave way for the swearing in of Acting President Goodluck Jonathan as the President and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation following series protest by civil Society groups in the country.
One of such protesters is the Save Nigeria Group led by Bakare. The group among several other things are calling for the impeachment of President Yar'Adua and the dissolution of the cabinet.
The protesters carried placards and a casket bearing “RIP, kitchen cabinet” and also through their addresses, demanded that the ailing president should speak to the country now.
The protesters first converged on the Unity Fountain Square and planned to match to the Aso Villa to register their demands, but Global Concord gathered that words later reached them that Acting President Goodluck Jonathan had directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed to receive them which he did in front of the building housing the office of the Head of Service and some ministries.
Placards carried by the protesters had the inscriptions such as, “Turai, leave Nigeria alone,” “Jonathan, get decisive now”, “Dissolve Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF),” “Ministers are serving only the cabal,” “Interloper governors are dangerous, resist them.” “Greedy governors want to destroy Nigeria”, among other writings.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, John Ahmadu, told the protesters that the force was ready to provide security for them and urged them to carry out the protest in an orderly manner.
Heavy detachment of policemen had barricaded the gate to the National Assembly from the Eagle Square, making it impossible for the procession to gain entry into the National Assembly to deliver their protest letters to the Senate President, Mr. David Mark, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Dimiji Bankole.
However, the letter to Acting President Jonathan was delivered to him, through Alhaji Ahmed, who received the protesters at about 10.47 a.m because they were also not allowed into the Villa.
The letter addressed to Acting President Jonathan and dated 10th March, 2010, signed by Pastor Tunde Bakare, on behalf of the Save Nigeria Group, entitled “Petition From Save Nigeria Group,” demanded, among other things, for an end to the invisible presidency of Yar'Adua by the activation of Section 144 of the constitution to make Jonathan the substantive president.
They also asked for the immediate dissolution of EXCOF, which they said had largely collaborated with presidential aides to create the avoidable constitutional crisis the nation had faced in the last 100 days.
Another prayer of the group as contained in the letter as well as inscriptions on the various placards the protesters carried was a quick and thorough implementation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Report on electoral reform, starting with the immediate removal of Professor Maurice Iwu as chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the reconstitution of INEC with persons of impeccable integrity and competence.
Part of the letter delivered to the SGF by Pastor Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly reads: “we, the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), a coalition of pro-democracy and human rights organizations and patriotic Nigerians who desire the entrenchment of a truly democratic and accountable governance, hereby petition you on certain developments that can truncate democracy and security in Nigeria.
“We believe in Nigeria and are determined to fight to save the country form the control of groups and individuals that profit from the failure of the Nigeria system.
“For more than 100 days, Nigerians have not seen or heard from President Umaru Yar' Adua since he was evacuated to Saudi Arabia for treatment. For the three months he reportedly stayed in an intensive care unit of a Saudi hospital, several of his aides continued to claim that the president was getting better. Some claimed he had started intense physical exercises. It is now more than two weeks since he was brought back to Nigeria in the dead of night. We have still not heard from or seen President Yar'Adua.
“The refusal of President Yar'Adua to resign from office on account of his deteriorating ill health and failure to transmit a letter of vacation on time as required by the constitution has resulted in a severe but avoidable constitutional crisis. This crisis has compounded other political challenges caused by an electoral system that is designed to aid electoral malpractices.
This dysfunctional electoral system threatens democracy and good governance in Nigeria”
The SGF, Alhaji Ahmed, commended the group for the peaceful manner it conducted itself and assured it that its demands would be looked into expeditiously.
He said: “When we received your request that you would like to hand over a letter to Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, he directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in my own person, to come and receive it and I found it very good and natural to come and face you because yours is a demonstration of democracy in action in Nigeria.
“Democracy cannot survive if we do not hear the voice of everybody. What you are pursuing in your own perception may be the very right thing for you to do, but in democracy, you may have others with opposing voice, but usually, the superior reasoning takes supremacy in democracy.
“Your three basic demands are noted; one, you want to know the status of your president. It is because you love your president and that is why you want to know his status and you will not be denied. Secondly, you want us to take constitutional way of dealing with the issue. This government is a creation of constitution and we will abide by it. Thirdly, we are aware of your concern regarding credible election in this country. Only two weeks ago, the acting president handed over the Uwais' committee report unedited to the National Assembly.
“I would like to assure you that the National Assembly, which will do the necessary legislation in terms of reviewing the Electoral Act and the constitution in order to have accepted electoral process”.
One of such protesters is the Save Nigeria Group led by Bakare. The group among several other things are calling for the impeachment of President Yar'Adua and the dissolution of the cabinet.
The protesters carried placards and a casket bearing “RIP, kitchen cabinet” and also through their addresses, demanded that the ailing president should speak to the country now.
The protesters first converged on the Unity Fountain Square and planned to match to the Aso Villa to register their demands, but Global Concord gathered that words later reached them that Acting President Goodluck Jonathan had directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed to receive them which he did in front of the building housing the office of the Head of Service and some ministries.
Placards carried by the protesters had the inscriptions such as, “Turai, leave Nigeria alone,” “Jonathan, get decisive now”, “Dissolve Executive Council of the Federation (EXCOF),” “Ministers are serving only the cabal,” “Interloper governors are dangerous, resist them.” “Greedy governors want to destroy Nigeria”, among other writings.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, John Ahmadu, told the protesters that the force was ready to provide security for them and urged them to carry out the protest in an orderly manner.
Heavy detachment of policemen had barricaded the gate to the National Assembly from the Eagle Square, making it impossible for the procession to gain entry into the National Assembly to deliver their protest letters to the Senate President, Mr. David Mark, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honorable Dimiji Bankole.
However, the letter to Acting President Jonathan was delivered to him, through Alhaji Ahmed, who received the protesters at about 10.47 a.m because they were also not allowed into the Villa.
The letter addressed to Acting President Jonathan and dated 10th March, 2010, signed by Pastor Tunde Bakare, on behalf of the Save Nigeria Group, entitled “Petition From Save Nigeria Group,” demanded, among other things, for an end to the invisible presidency of Yar'Adua by the activation of Section 144 of the constitution to make Jonathan the substantive president.
They also asked for the immediate dissolution of EXCOF, which they said had largely collaborated with presidential aides to create the avoidable constitutional crisis the nation had faced in the last 100 days.
Another prayer of the group as contained in the letter as well as inscriptions on the various placards the protesters carried was a quick and thorough implementation of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Report on electoral reform, starting with the immediate removal of Professor Maurice Iwu as chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the reconstitution of INEC with persons of impeccable integrity and competence.
Part of the letter delivered to the SGF by Pastor Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly reads: “we, the Save Nigeria Group (SNG), a coalition of pro-democracy and human rights organizations and patriotic Nigerians who desire the entrenchment of a truly democratic and accountable governance, hereby petition you on certain developments that can truncate democracy and security in Nigeria.
“We believe in Nigeria and are determined to fight to save the country form the control of groups and individuals that profit from the failure of the Nigeria system.
“For more than 100 days, Nigerians have not seen or heard from President Umaru Yar' Adua since he was evacuated to Saudi Arabia for treatment. For the three months he reportedly stayed in an intensive care unit of a Saudi hospital, several of his aides continued to claim that the president was getting better. Some claimed he had started intense physical exercises. It is now more than two weeks since he was brought back to Nigeria in the dead of night. We have still not heard from or seen President Yar'Adua.
“The refusal of President Yar'Adua to resign from office on account of his deteriorating ill health and failure to transmit a letter of vacation on time as required by the constitution has resulted in a severe but avoidable constitutional crisis. This crisis has compounded other political challenges caused by an electoral system that is designed to aid electoral malpractices.
This dysfunctional electoral system threatens democracy and good governance in Nigeria”
The SGF, Alhaji Ahmed, commended the group for the peaceful manner it conducted itself and assured it that its demands would be looked into expeditiously.
He said: “When we received your request that you would like to hand over a letter to Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, he directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in my own person, to come and receive it and I found it very good and natural to come and face you because yours is a demonstration of democracy in action in Nigeria.
“Democracy cannot survive if we do not hear the voice of everybody. What you are pursuing in your own perception may be the very right thing for you to do, but in democracy, you may have others with opposing voice, but usually, the superior reasoning takes supremacy in democracy.
“Your three basic demands are noted; one, you want to know the status of your president. It is because you love your president and that is why you want to know his status and you will not be denied. Secondly, you want us to take constitutional way of dealing with the issue. This government is a creation of constitution and we will abide by it. Thirdly, we are aware of your concern regarding credible election in this country. Only two weeks ago, the acting president handed over the Uwais' committee report unedited to the National Assembly.
“I would like to assure you that the National Assembly, which will do the necessary legislation in terms of reviewing the Electoral Act and the constitution in order to have accepted electoral process”.
Ikono PDP Chieftain Bags Another Award
A frontline politician in the state, Chief Etim Inyang has been honored with the prestigious Grassroots Man of the Year Award for 2009 by the Prague-based International Union of Students (IUS) headquartered in Zech Republic.
Chief Inyang who is the chairman of People Democratic Party (PDP), Ikono chapter, becomes the fifth Nigerian so far crowned with the prestigious award by the international body following his selection and ratification by a pool of 61 nominees.
Performing the Investiture, the IUS country representative and Chairman, Pan-Nigeria Students Advocacy Forum, Comrade Stanley Bradford enumerated the criteria for his selection to include accessibility, community mobilization, civil rights crusade, and advocacy for improving the living condition of the rural people.
Comrade Bradford who was represented by the Deputy Country Representative, Comrade Uduak NseAbasi disclosed that the Ikono-born maverick politician was the fifth Nigerian to bag the honour by the IUS, Nigerian council after RT Jon Adeyemi, Lagos, Barr. (Late) Unongo, Benue, His Royal Highness, Nawarni Abokim, Nassarawa and Chief Long Lizoukwu, the Imo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports.
The IUS leadership stated that the induction of Chief Inyang as the first recipient from the south-south geo-political zone was in keeping with its ideals as students' platform for promoting and appreciating outstanding individuals' efforts committed to sustainable community mobilization and participation in rural economic expansion.
The world students body implored the recipient to see the honour as a challenge to show more commitment to and improve on, and sustain his valued roles which earned him the global recognition.
Chairman of the occasion and House of Assembly member Rt. Hon. (Dr) Clement Bassey commended the international students organization for its carefulness and transparency which reflected in the choice of Chief Inyang who he described as a great mobilizer and number one grassroots man in Ikono Local Government Area. The Assembly man acknowledged the Leadership potentials of the students and urged them to keep the flag flying.
Responding, Chief Etim Inyang described the honor done him as the manifestation of God's grace, explaining that for him to have emerged all-round winner from among a crowd of 61 potential winners was nothing but the act of God.
The high breed politician dedicated the award to God almighty, to Governor Akpabio and the PDP family in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Hon Prince Uwem Ita Etuk.
Chief Inyang who is the chairman of People Democratic Party (PDP), Ikono chapter, becomes the fifth Nigerian so far crowned with the prestigious award by the international body following his selection and ratification by a pool of 61 nominees.
Performing the Investiture, the IUS country representative and Chairman, Pan-Nigeria Students Advocacy Forum, Comrade Stanley Bradford enumerated the criteria for his selection to include accessibility, community mobilization, civil rights crusade, and advocacy for improving the living condition of the rural people.
Comrade Bradford who was represented by the Deputy Country Representative, Comrade Uduak NseAbasi disclosed that the Ikono-born maverick politician was the fifth Nigerian to bag the honour by the IUS, Nigerian council after RT Jon Adeyemi, Lagos, Barr. (Late) Unongo, Benue, His Royal Highness, Nawarni Abokim, Nassarawa and Chief Long Lizoukwu, the Imo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports.
The IUS leadership stated that the induction of Chief Inyang as the first recipient from the south-south geo-political zone was in keeping with its ideals as students' platform for promoting and appreciating outstanding individuals' efforts committed to sustainable community mobilization and participation in rural economic expansion.
The world students body implored the recipient to see the honour as a challenge to show more commitment to and improve on, and sustain his valued roles which earned him the global recognition.
Chairman of the occasion and House of Assembly member Rt. Hon. (Dr) Clement Bassey commended the international students organization for its carefulness and transparency which reflected in the choice of Chief Inyang who he described as a great mobilizer and number one grassroots man in Ikono Local Government Area. The Assembly man acknowledged the Leadership potentials of the students and urged them to keep the flag flying.
Responding, Chief Etim Inyang described the honor done him as the manifestation of God's grace, explaining that for him to have emerged all-round winner from among a crowd of 61 potential winners was nothing but the act of God.
The high breed politician dedicated the award to God almighty, to Governor Akpabio and the PDP family in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Hon Prince Uwem Ita Etuk.
Another Set Back For Ekere Afia As Youth Roots For Bafil
The aspiration to represent Uyo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly by Hon Ekere Afia member representing Uyo state constituency in the House of Assembly suffered severe blow last week when a body of youths in Nsit Attai, one of the local government areas in the constituency dissociated itself from a purported endorsement of the aspirant by youths of the constituency recently.
Youths in Uyo Federal Constituency had on January 9,2010 at CKS , Willington Bassey Way convened, though not in a large number as would be expected, to endorse Hon. Ekere Afia as sole candidate for Uyo Federal Constituency and Governor Godswill Akapabio for a second term as governor of the state. The event though lacking in content and executive backing as Governor Godswill Akpabio allegedly dissociated himself from the said endorsement and restrained government apparatus from the venue, a situation that robbed the gathering of the presence of commissioners, special Advisers, or any representative of the governor. The youths issued a statement purported to be the stance of the youths of the constituency and endorsed Hon. Ekere Afia as the sole candidate for the constituency seat. Irked by the statement published in the media, the youths of Nsit Atai under the aegis of Concerned Youth Leaders in a statement dissociated itself from the endorsement; stating that the organizer of the endorsement led by one Mr. Udeme Ekot does not represent nor can he speak for the youth of the constituency.
The statement which was signed by eleven youths across Nsit Attai led by Mr. Samuel Bassey pledged their unflinching support to the third term ambition of Elder Bassey Etim which they said has protected the interest of the constituency especially in legislation and empowerment.
While calling on members of Uyo Federal Constituency to disregard the said endorsement and continue to support Elder Etim. The youth of Nsit Attai said they stand by the endorsement of Ibibio Elders on Governor Godswill Akpabio.
Global Concord later learnt that for Hon Elder Bassey Etim, it has been a harvest of supports from across the constituency following the inkling that he is interested in going for a third term as member representing the constituency. The paper also learnt that other groups in the constituency have declared their supports for the law maker behind closed door as the law maker is said to find solace in quiet lifestyle.
One of the group leaders in Ibesikpo Asutan who spoke with the paper said the harvest of supports by the law maker was sequel to his job creating strategy, accessibility and simplicity which have endeared him to his constituents.
“With the recommendation given to Elder Etim, the journey to the seat by Hon. Ekere Afia or any other contestant”, the Ibesikpo Asutan source who spoke on condition of dark identity reasoned, “may be far from being achieved in the next election”.
Youths in Uyo Federal Constituency had on January 9,2010 at CKS , Willington Bassey Way convened, though not in a large number as would be expected, to endorse Hon. Ekere Afia as sole candidate for Uyo Federal Constituency and Governor Godswill Akapabio for a second term as governor of the state. The event though lacking in content and executive backing as Governor Godswill Akpabio allegedly dissociated himself from the said endorsement and restrained government apparatus from the venue, a situation that robbed the gathering of the presence of commissioners, special Advisers, or any representative of the governor. The youths issued a statement purported to be the stance of the youths of the constituency and endorsed Hon. Ekere Afia as the sole candidate for the constituency seat. Irked by the statement published in the media, the youths of Nsit Atai under the aegis of Concerned Youth Leaders in a statement dissociated itself from the endorsement; stating that the organizer of the endorsement led by one Mr. Udeme Ekot does not represent nor can he speak for the youth of the constituency.
The statement which was signed by eleven youths across Nsit Attai led by Mr. Samuel Bassey pledged their unflinching support to the third term ambition of Elder Bassey Etim which they said has protected the interest of the constituency especially in legislation and empowerment.
While calling on members of Uyo Federal Constituency to disregard the said endorsement and continue to support Elder Etim. The youth of Nsit Attai said they stand by the endorsement of Ibibio Elders on Governor Godswill Akpabio.
Global Concord later learnt that for Hon Elder Bassey Etim, it has been a harvest of supports from across the constituency following the inkling that he is interested in going for a third term as member representing the constituency. The paper also learnt that other groups in the constituency have declared their supports for the law maker behind closed door as the law maker is said to find solace in quiet lifestyle.
One of the group leaders in Ibesikpo Asutan who spoke with the paper said the harvest of supports by the law maker was sequel to his job creating strategy, accessibility and simplicity which have endeared him to his constituents.
“With the recommendation given to Elder Etim, the journey to the seat by Hon. Ekere Afia or any other contestant”, the Ibesikpo Asutan source who spoke on condition of dark identity reasoned, “may be far from being achieved in the next election”.
Okobo Chairman In A Fix Over Council Funds - As Supervisor Exempts Self
The lingering crisis in Okobo Local Government Council between the chairman, Rt. Hon. John Ita and councilors over income expenditure in the council is taking another dimension as the supervisor for finance is said to have denied having any knowledge of the chairman's dealings with the council funds.
It could be recalled that councilors in Okobo had summoned the chairman to appear before them on allegation of misappropriation of council funds and to explain why he has not furnished them with statement of income and expenditure of the council funds, and stated that there was nothing to show as an achievement of the present administration in Okobo.
It has been reported that the executive chairman had appeared before the legislature and submitted the document on demand. The document was later sent to the House Committee on Public Account.
A competent source disclosed to Global Concord that the supervisor for Finance, Hon. Pastor B. Eta was not able to defend the Statement of Account of the council as was presented by the chairman to the legislature while appearing before the House committee on Public Account.
The source further said that the supervisor who could not defend the document rather denied that he was not privy to the content of the document before the chairman submitted it to the legislature, thus declined to comments on the account. This, according to a source, further proves that the chairman is running the council as his private estate.
Some politicians in Okobo who spoke with our reporter who do not want their names on print said they are in total support of the probe by the councilors, adding that they were anxiously waiting for the outcome of the committee's report on Finance and Public Account; while describing the act as a welcome development. Efforts to reach the Council Chairman for comments proved abortive as he could not be accessed as at the time of going to press.
It could be recalled that councilors in Okobo had summoned the chairman to appear before them on allegation of misappropriation of council funds and to explain why he has not furnished them with statement of income and expenditure of the council funds, and stated that there was nothing to show as an achievement of the present administration in Okobo.
It has been reported that the executive chairman had appeared before the legislature and submitted the document on demand. The document was later sent to the House Committee on Public Account.
A competent source disclosed to Global Concord that the supervisor for Finance, Hon. Pastor B. Eta was not able to defend the Statement of Account of the council as was presented by the chairman to the legislature while appearing before the House committee on Public Account.
The source further said that the supervisor who could not defend the document rather denied that he was not privy to the content of the document before the chairman submitted it to the legislature, thus declined to comments on the account. This, according to a source, further proves that the chairman is running the council as his private estate.
Some politicians in Okobo who spoke with our reporter who do not want their names on print said they are in total support of the probe by the councilors, adding that they were anxiously waiting for the outcome of the committee's report on Finance and Public Account; while describing the act as a welcome development. Efforts to reach the Council Chairman for comments proved abortive as he could not be accessed as at the time of going to press.
How I Escaped Assassination Ikot Edor Youth Leader
For Mr. Emmanuel Oboh, the embattled Youth Leader of Ikot Edor village in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, the sad memory of the maltreatment meted on him by suspected hired assassins is far from fading as the wounds he sustained from machet cuts that fateful evening from his abductors have refused to yield totally.
Before the dissolution of the village youth council sometime last year by His Eminence, Usonyin Akpabio Udo Ukpa, Mr. Emmanuel Oboh was the youth leader and is reported to have been the one who led youths of the community to revamp some ailing projects in the community from grants and other charges accrued to youths of the area, an act, Mr. Oboh told Global Concord, has not gone down well with few elites in the community who, according to him, “always direct our money to their private pockets”. Mr. Oboh's tenure, according to him, was viewed by leaders of the community as insulting as they could no longer have access to funds taxed contractors in the village by the youths and other levies.
In view of the support given to Mr. Emmanuel Oboh by youths of the community, the dissolution of the youth council faced major setback as Global Concord gathered that youths of the community still take directives from Mr. Emmanuel Oboh. The youths who spoke with Global Concord at Ikot Edor said they had to reject the resolution because the tenure of the dissolved youth exco has not terminated.
They accused some traditional leaders in the community of what they termed “undue infringement on the affairs of the youth council and wrote several letters to security operatives and prominent indigenes of the area including Senator and Minister Ufot Ekaette who hail from Ikot Edor, calling for “democratization of the youth council” to allow the youths elect their leaders through election and complete their tenures. This letter, made available to Global Concord is said to have caused further diplomatic row between youths of the community and their Elders.
The embattled youth leader while narrating his ordeal with some abductors allegedly sponsored by certain gladiators in the community in connection to the face off said but for the intervention of market women and passersby, he would have been lynched by group of suspected “kidnappers or assassins” who came and skillfully took him to a junction in the village where some men were waiting for him.
While showing matchet cuts on him for refusing to enter Benze 190 boot, the youth leader said the matter has been reported to the police but regretted that key suspects in the incidents have refused to heed police invitation for interrogation.
He called on the police, civil society groups and relevant authorities to wade into the matter to forestall further occurrence. When contacted on phone, the royal father accused in the incident said the allegations of fraud against him and others were false, baseless and an attempt to bring him to disrepute. He denied knowledge of the incident, adding that he was far above such trivial issues.
Before the dissolution of the village youth council sometime last year by His Eminence, Usonyin Akpabio Udo Ukpa, Mr. Emmanuel Oboh was the youth leader and is reported to have been the one who led youths of the community to revamp some ailing projects in the community from grants and other charges accrued to youths of the area, an act, Mr. Oboh told Global Concord, has not gone down well with few elites in the community who, according to him, “always direct our money to their private pockets”. Mr. Oboh's tenure, according to him, was viewed by leaders of the community as insulting as they could no longer have access to funds taxed contractors in the village by the youths and other levies.
In view of the support given to Mr. Emmanuel Oboh by youths of the community, the dissolution of the youth council faced major setback as Global Concord gathered that youths of the community still take directives from Mr. Emmanuel Oboh. The youths who spoke with Global Concord at Ikot Edor said they had to reject the resolution because the tenure of the dissolved youth exco has not terminated.
They accused some traditional leaders in the community of what they termed “undue infringement on the affairs of the youth council and wrote several letters to security operatives and prominent indigenes of the area including Senator and Minister Ufot Ekaette who hail from Ikot Edor, calling for “democratization of the youth council” to allow the youths elect their leaders through election and complete their tenures. This letter, made available to Global Concord is said to have caused further diplomatic row between youths of the community and their Elders.
The embattled youth leader while narrating his ordeal with some abductors allegedly sponsored by certain gladiators in the community in connection to the face off said but for the intervention of market women and passersby, he would have been lynched by group of suspected “kidnappers or assassins” who came and skillfully took him to a junction in the village where some men were waiting for him.
While showing matchet cuts on him for refusing to enter Benze 190 boot, the youth leader said the matter has been reported to the police but regretted that key suspects in the incidents have refused to heed police invitation for interrogation.
He called on the police, civil society groups and relevant authorities to wade into the matter to forestall further occurrence. When contacted on phone, the royal father accused in the incident said the allegations of fraud against him and others were false, baseless and an attempt to bring him to disrepute. He denied knowledge of the incident, adding that he was far above such trivial issues.
Group Applauds Gov. Akpabio's Developmental Vision- Commends Commissioner for Science and Technology
The Uyo People Solidarity Movement has applauded the State Chief Executive, Chief Godswill Akpabio for his efforts in developing the rural and urban communities in Uyo Local Government Area.
Mr. Gabriel Ottomong Akpan, the Village Co-ordinator of the group made this commendation after the recent commissioning of inter-ministerial projects in Uyo, in which the village secondary school block was renovated, an ultra modern health centre built and a solar power mini water plant was installed Ikot Okubo village, in addition to the provision of three transformers for electricity.
The co-ordinator noted that through these infrastructural provisions by the government, the lives of the people of Ikot Okubo communities have been affected positively as they now have access to healthcare, education and other social amenities.
Mr. Gabriel led other members of the group to accompany the commissioner for science and technology, Mr. Samuel Effanga to witness the official handing over of the renovated village council hall at Afah Offot sponsored by the commissioner.
He acknowledged that the appointment of Mr. Samuel Effanga, an indigene of the community into Governor Akpabio's cabinet has brought dividends of democracy to the grassroot which, according to him, “has never been witnessed before now”.
Later while addressing the press in company of his executive members made up of Mr. Emmanuel Archibong, Mr. Ibong Edet, Mr. Emmanuel Thomas, Udeme Tom, Richard Dick and others, Mr. Gabriel announced that the village has vowed to mobilize massive support for the continuity of Godswill Akpabio come 2011.
Mr. Gabriel Ottomong Akpan, the Village Co-ordinator of the group made this commendation after the recent commissioning of inter-ministerial projects in Uyo, in which the village secondary school block was renovated, an ultra modern health centre built and a solar power mini water plant was installed Ikot Okubo village, in addition to the provision of three transformers for electricity.
The co-ordinator noted that through these infrastructural provisions by the government, the lives of the people of Ikot Okubo communities have been affected positively as they now have access to healthcare, education and other social amenities.
Mr. Gabriel led other members of the group to accompany the commissioner for science and technology, Mr. Samuel Effanga to witness the official handing over of the renovated village council hall at Afah Offot sponsored by the commissioner.
He acknowledged that the appointment of Mr. Samuel Effanga, an indigene of the community into Governor Akpabio's cabinet has brought dividends of democracy to the grassroot which, according to him, “has never been witnessed before now”.
Later while addressing the press in company of his executive members made up of Mr. Emmanuel Archibong, Mr. Ibong Edet, Mr. Emmanuel Thomas, Udeme Tom, Richard Dick and others, Mr. Gabriel announced that the village has vowed to mobilize massive support for the continuity of Godswill Akpabio come 2011.
South-South Youth Assembly Inaugurates Akwa Ibom State Chapter
As the 2011 General Election draws near, a famous socio cultural cum political group based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South-South Youth Assembly (SSYA) has garner more support for itself with the inauguration of Akwa Ibom State Chapter.
The inauguration which took place recently at Monty Suite Hotels, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, was witnessed by politicians within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, and National President of South-South Youth Assembly (SSYA), Mr. Tony Anocha said that the group has come to consolidate and sustain the effort of the South-South heroes past in the fight against what he called total marginalization, neglect, and abandonment of South-south people, adding that God has blessed south-South region with abundance resources that need to be properly and prudently utilized for the benefit and betterment of the South-South region.
He however blamed the misfortune of the region on the leaders for not leaving up to expectations, stressing the need for those in leadership positions in South-South to prudently manage the resources at their disposal. He said that lack of prudent management of resources from the area by leaders has been the major cause of youth restiveness, armed struggle and social vices rampant in the region. Going further he said: “This nation belongs to us as Nigerians, and especially as people who God has placed so much resource in their area to provide for the goodness and wellbeing of all the citizenry”.
He said that the group believes in the oneness of Nigeria, which according to him, is the only instrument that will move the nation forward, adding that the South-south Youth Assembly will always stand for what is right and expressed confidence that the group will be strong and very productive in Akwa Ibom State.
He called on the executive members to live up to the expectations.
Mr. Anocha maintained that South-South Youth Assembly is an organization for all South-South Youths, credible and dependable, saying that for one to be a member, he must come from the South-South geo-political zone, and that the group is recognized nationally. He listed its chapters to include, Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, Edo and some other States of the Federation expressing optimism that offices shall be procured in all the States for the organization, maintaining that Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the association shall get an office once they are able to meet with the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio.
Responding, the State Chairman of South-South Youth Assembly, SSYA, Comrade Peter Donald said that with the inauguration of Akwa Ibom State Chapter, a new chapter has been opened to enable Akwa Ibom people to lend their voices to unshackle the chain of economic and political deprivation, and appreciation of the people of South-South geo-political zone in the country.
The inauguration which took place recently at Monty Suite Hotels, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, was witnessed by politicians within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
In his remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, and National President of South-South Youth Assembly (SSYA), Mr. Tony Anocha said that the group has come to consolidate and sustain the effort of the South-South heroes past in the fight against what he called total marginalization, neglect, and abandonment of South-south people, adding that God has blessed south-South region with abundance resources that need to be properly and prudently utilized for the benefit and betterment of the South-South region.
He however blamed the misfortune of the region on the leaders for not leaving up to expectations, stressing the need for those in leadership positions in South-South to prudently manage the resources at their disposal. He said that lack of prudent management of resources from the area by leaders has been the major cause of youth restiveness, armed struggle and social vices rampant in the region. Going further he said: “This nation belongs to us as Nigerians, and especially as people who God has placed so much resource in their area to provide for the goodness and wellbeing of all the citizenry”.
He said that the group believes in the oneness of Nigeria, which according to him, is the only instrument that will move the nation forward, adding that the South-south Youth Assembly will always stand for what is right and expressed confidence that the group will be strong and very productive in Akwa Ibom State.
He called on the executive members to live up to the expectations.
Mr. Anocha maintained that South-South Youth Assembly is an organization for all South-South Youths, credible and dependable, saying that for one to be a member, he must come from the South-South geo-political zone, and that the group is recognized nationally. He listed its chapters to include, Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, Edo and some other States of the Federation expressing optimism that offices shall be procured in all the States for the organization, maintaining that Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the association shall get an office once they are able to meet with the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio.
Responding, the State Chairman of South-South Youth Assembly, SSYA, Comrade Peter Donald said that with the inauguration of Akwa Ibom State Chapter, a new chapter has been opened to enable Akwa Ibom people to lend their voices to unshackle the chain of economic and political deprivation, and appreciation of the people of South-South geo-political zone in the country.
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