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Akwa Ibom Ministries Land Dispute: NIESV Wades In

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Concerned about the ongoing feuds between the ministries of Lands and Water Resources and Works and Fire Service over who has the authority to pay compensation and other issues to property owners, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) in Akwa Ibom State has called for the functions of both ministries to be streamlined.

While addressing the at the weekend, the estate valuers branded the fight as unhealthy and unproductive, blaming the ugly development and unhealthy rivalry on the outgoing Governor Udom Emmanuel’s lack of clearly defined tasks for some ministries and agencies (MDAs).

The institution, therefore, called on the Akwa Ibom State government to streamline the functions of ministry of Lands/Water Resources and ministry of Works and Fire Service concerning acquisition of lands and payment of compensations, saying “the continuous usurpation of the roles by the works ministry is embarrassing and unhealthy.”

The chairman of NIESV, Akwa Ibom State branch, Obot Akpan, at a forum tagged; “Valuation: Key to Decision Making for Assets and Resources Optimization” highlighted the contributions of the body to national development and urged the state government to urgently address the problem before it degenerated beyond redemption in order not to pose another challenge to the incoming administration.

He said “land acquisition and payment of compensation has been the statutory functions of the ministry of Lands as enshrined in the Land Use Act, Cap 202, LFN, 1990, Sections 29(4)(b) and 29(4)(C), which makes the determination of value of compensation the exclusive reserve of the director of Lands in the ministry of Lands/Water Resources.”

Furthermore, Akpan expressed regret that, despite the law’s provisions, compensation value for compulsory acquisition is allegedly domiciled with the state’s ministry of Works, adding that “the continued usurpation of those functions by the ministry of Works as it is now going on will very likely embarrass the government and exact great cost if not checked.”

The chairman further stated that this trend has resulted in poor documentation of historical data on land transactions, emphasizing the necessity for the state government to streamline and adhere to ministerial tasks.
The commissioner for lands and water resources, Capt Iniobong Ekong (rtd), thanked the group, calling them as professionals and partners in the state’s development.

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Governor Umo Eno Dissolves Akwa Ibom State Executive Council

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved the State Executive Council with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah.

The dissolution affects all commissioners and special advisers, who are instructed to hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries. In ministries lacking permanent secretaries, the most senior director is to assume responsibility.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the outgoing council members for their service and contributions to the state’s development, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Governor Eno inherited the executive council members from his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, nearly 19 months ago.

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PDP Welcomes Founding Fathers Back to Party in Akwa Ibom State

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has celebrated the return of two prominent founding members, Chief Edet Isong and Prince Emmanuel Isong, to the party.

The Ward 2 branch of the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko formally welcomed the returnees at a grand ceremony in Uyo, marking their reintegration into the party.

Chief Edet Isong, a former Transition Chairman of Urue-Offong/Oruko, expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the PDP, describing it as “coming back home to contribute, support, and work for my family, the PDP.” He commended Governor Umo Eno’s leadership and the state’s developmental strides, citing projects like the Nsit Atai-Okobo Road as evidence of progress under the administration.

Prince Emmanuel Isong, a retired Director with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also returned to the PDP, bolstering the party’s presence in Ward 2 and the Urue-Offong/Oruko community.

The Deputy Ward Chairman, Mrs. Nkoyo Unanaonwi, expressed joy at the return of the two stalwarts, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the party and community. “Their return is a big win for our party,” she noted.

Goodwill messages flowed from stakeholders, including Hon. Victor Amah, Chief Daniel Afiakurue, and Comrade Clement Walter, who celebrated the reunion as a significant boost for the PDP.

Chief Isong, previously affiliated with the Young People’s Party (YPP) after leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated his decision was influenced by the steadfast leadership in the PDP and Governor Umo Eno’s people-focused agenda.

The ceremony marked a pivotal moment for the PDP in Urue-Offong/Oruko, as members expressed optimism about the party’s future strengthened by the return of its founding fathers.

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Akwa Ibom PDP Declares Governor Umo Eno Sole Candidate for 2027 Governorship Election

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has endorsed Governor Umo Eno as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election, despite the general election being over two years away.

The decision, announced at the PDP Enlarged State Executive Council Meeting on 6 January 2025, was formalized in a communiqué signed by the party’s state chairperson, Aniekan Akpan. The party cited Governor Eno’s “outstanding performance” and “exemplary leadership” under his Arise Agenda as reasons for the endorsement.

“His vision has delivered significant dividends of democracy for Akwa Ibom State,” the communiqué stated.

This move effectively excludes other aspirants within the party, consolidating Governor Eno’s position as the PDP’s flagbearer in a state that has remained a PDP stronghold since 1999.

Governor Eno, who assumed office on 29 May 2023, dissolved his cabinet hours before visiting the PDP state secretariat in Uyo on Saturday.

With opposition parties like the All Progressives Congress currently weak in the state, Governor Eno appears well-positioned for a second term in 2027.

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