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New naira notes: Hardship, currency rackeetering soar in Akwa Ibom

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New Naira Notes

Even after the Supreme Court issued a ruling prohibiting the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, from enforcing the February 10 deadline for the phase-out of the N200, N500, and N1000 old naira notes, currency fraud in Akwa Ibom State persisted within the week.

It was noted that as long as there was a shortage of cash, traders, gas station managers, supermarket owners, POS operators, and bank employees continued to take advantage of the general public.

Unwilling to provide his identity, an Akwa Ibom resident described how he leaves his residence as early as 4 am to go to any bank’s ATM without having any money in his account.

He said he would stand in line, and when it came time for him to collect money, he would look for someone in a hurry who would not want to wait in the long line, sell their spot to them for N1,000, and then return to the line. He added that he makes between 5,000 and 10,000 naira daily from the business.

Akwa-Ibom 2023: I Am The Confirmed and Authentic PDP Guber Candidate- Umo Eno

It was learned that traders in important markets throughout the State, including Itam, Akpan Andem, Nyong Essien/Etuk, and others, would sell cash to POS operators for 10% instead of depositing it in the bank, and those POS operators would then charge their potential customers 15% to 20%, depending on the situation.

Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area native Kingsley bemoaned the fact that a POS employee persisted on taking a commission of N22,000 from the N200,000 he withdrew to buy a few things in the market for his father’s funeral on Friday.

He added that despite his efforts to avoid paying the POS attendants’ hefty charge by patiently waiting in the enormous lines at the banks, he was ultimately only able to obtain N5000.

The visibly distraught man said, “God will punish whoever or those that subjected me to this difficulty. That N22, 000 I used in paying for commission, I would have used it to buy up to four cartons of drinks. Only God will judge all these people.”

Another native, Inyene, described how the financial crisis affected her preparations for a wedding, saying that both her family and her fiance’s family had decided to postpone the traditional wedding to a later date in order to see if things would return to normal.

Akwa Ibom CAN seeks peaceful, active participation in 2023 polls

Since most petty traders and fruit vendors do not have bank accounts and those that have do not want to accept transfers due to the difficulty in receiving cash, the negative effects of the cash shortage have also filtered down to them.

Additionally, the lack of money is having a negative impact on overall work productivity, according to ICT expert and entrepreneur Maxwell Akpan, who also revealed that the uncertainty, worries, and concerns caused by the development are having a negative impact on the mental health and general wellbeing of his staff.

 

 

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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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