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Akwa Ibom Pensioners Urge Governor Umo Eno to Address Economic Hardship

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Members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Akwa Ibom State Council, have voiced their distress to Governor Umo Eno regarding the economic challenges they face due to their meagre pensions.

Expressing their plight at a press conference in Uyo on Wednesday, the chairman of NUP, Obong Ekpenyong Ekpo, and secretary, Obong Cosmos Essien, highlighted the severe difficulties pensioners encounter in coping with pensions ranging from N1,500 to N5,000 amidst the current economic realities.

The pensioners lamented their struggles to survive and afford essential medications, emphasizing the urgent need for the harmonization of their pensions, similar to initiatives undertaken by other state governments in the Niger Delta region. Essien, speaking on behalf of the members, criticized the state government’s failure to fulfill its promise of paying a minimum pension of N20,000 to pre-1997 retirees and N30,000 to post-1997 retirees. Additionally, he pointed out the government’s neglect in implementing the constitutional provision mandating pension reviews every five years, aligning with increases given to workers.

The union urged Governor Umo Eno to establish a pension commission or board to address their grievances effectively and advocate for their rights. They expressed dismay at the lack of response from the government despite their persistent pleas for assistance. Highlighting the dire circumstances faced by pensioners, Essien emphasized the urgency of their situation, with many unable to afford essential medications, resulting in daily struggles and health complications.

In a bold move, the union threatened to stage a mass demonstration across Uyo’s streets and block the Government House gate to draw attention to their demands and amplify their plight. However, they acknowledged the governor’s efforts in disbursing approximately N14 billion in gratuities to various categories of pensioners within nine months of assuming office.

Despite past assurances from some governors regarding pension payments, the union lamented the dire consequences faced by pensioners, including evictions due to unpaid rents. They called for concrete action from the government to alleviate their suffering and ensure their welfare and dignity are upheld.

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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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