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Former Minister Urges FG to Utilize Akwa Ibom’s Near-Complete MRO Facility

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In light of recent announcements by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development regarding plans to establish a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at an undisclosed location, former Minister of Lands and Housing, Chief Nduese Essien, has called for a reconsideration of this decision.

Essien advocates for leveraging the nearly completed MRO facility at Akwa Ibom’s Obong Atta International Airport, which has reportedly reached 95% completion after over 15 years of development.

“It’s surprising and inconsistent for the government to propose a new MRO facility through a public-private partnership while disregarding the nearly finished one in Akwa Ibom,” Chief Essien stated. He urged the Minister of Aviation to consider the Akwa Ibom MRO as a viable alternative that could meet Nigeria’s immediate aviation needs, given the advanced status of the Uyo facility.

In November 2023, Aviation Minister Chief Festus Keyamo visited Akwa Ibom, where he toured the airport’s terminal, MRO facility, and the 3.6 km taxiway. Praising Akwa Ibom’s aviation infrastructure, Keyamo referred to the state as “Nigeria’s best-kept secret” and expressed interest in federal collaboration with the state’s aviation projects.

Reflecting on the minister’s past comments, Essien noted the contradiction in now proposing a new facility elsewhere. “The MRO in Akwa Ibom has been meticulously developed and could save the federal government considerable time and resources,” he said.

Essien highlighted the challenges Akwa Ibom State has faced in obtaining federal support for its aviation infrastructure, despite the state’s willingness to work collaboratively across party lines. He pointed to Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to cross-partisan cooperation, noting that viable projects from Akwa Ibom are often sidelined just as they near completion and readiness for impact.

Given Nigeria’s current economic challenges, Chief Essien urged federal officials to prioritize cost-effective, collaborative solutions. “With the financial pressures Nigeria faces, every government organ should collaborate to bring Nigeria forward. Utilizing Akwa Ibom’s near-complete MRO facility would exemplify efficient and unified governance,” he concluded.

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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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