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Nigerian CSOs Urge Journalists to Investigate Oil Companies’ Impact on Local Communities

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Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have called on journalists in Akwa Ibom State, a major oil-producing region, to intensify investigative reporting on the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards of oil companies and financial institutions operating in the area.

This appeal, championed by groups such as the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Connected Development (CODE), and STEPS to Sustainable Transformation and Empowerment Foundation, was made during a two-day capacity training on fiscal accountability for selected journalists in Uyo, sponsored by OXFAM Nigeria in collaboration with Fair Finance International.

Ayo Omowu, Technical Programme and Communications Specialist of CISLAC, encouraged journalists to produce thorough, evidence-based reports that would empower communities impacted by the extractive industries to hold these companies accountable, especially under the guidelines of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He urged journalists to investigate how many Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTF) have been established, the exact remittances to these funds as mandated by the 3% Opex, and the oversight role of the National Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

“We need investigative journalists who can examine the extractive industry’s compliance with the PIA and expose any questionable practices,” Omowu said, noting the importance of a well-informed press in promoting fiscal transparency.

Abdulazeez Hussaini from CODE further encouraged journalists to use the Freedom of Information Act to investigate and expose how resources meant for local development are being managed, urging collaboration with CSOs and whistle-blowers to access reliable data.

Harry Udoh, Executive Director of STEPS, added that investigative efforts should extend beyond the extractive industry to the financial sector, emphasizing the need to ensure banks operate within ESG standards. “Journalists must look into the NUPRC’s interactions with host communities and track how funds are managed to prevent the stagnation of these communities,” Udoh said.

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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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