Headlines

Umo Eno reveals economic masterplan for Akwa Ibom

Published

2 years ago

January 31, 2023

Boma AL

Pastor Umo Eno, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate for governor of Akwa Ibom State, promised that if elected in the upcoming election, his administration would create an inclusive, diverse, and industrialized economy.

The governorship candidate said that his administration will take advantage of the state’s resources to develop a robust economy while speaking at the inaugural Umo Eno Town Hall Series, a special interactive session with professional bodies and interest groups in the state, held at the Ibom Icon Hotel, Uyo.

Further elaborating on his vision for the State, Pastor Eno stated that the plans would be made achievable by building on the accomplishments of previous governors, who he noted have advanced Akwa Ibom from a purely civil service, to an economically- viable State.

“Udom Emmanuel’s Administration has completely moved our State from a core civil service State to becoming an industrialised State. Udom’s Administration has opened the gateway of industrialization in Akwa Ibom State through land, air, and sea. And in terms of land, we can see roads and all of the constructions.

Akwa Ibom residents bemoan banks’ rejection of old Naira notes

According to Pastor Eno: “Our theme is, ‘Connecting the Dots, Furthering Peace and Prosperity.’ We seek to consolidate on the economic gains of previous administrations. We envision to build a vibrant, inclusive, diversified economy using the abundance of our human and material resources,” he said.
The front-runner candidate pledged to work relentlessly with his team to lower poverty and unemployment throughout the state when discussing rural development.

“We have challenges that we must face and move our State to the next level. This is why some of us came up to run for the office of governor of our State. Issues to deal with include poverty reduction, food production and job creation. Poverty reduction for us is key, because if you get to the rural area, you’d see that our people need as much support as possisble. So, we hope to put adequate programmes in place that will cater to these people.

“We need to ensure that our youths have gainful employment. The challenge now is not just that they are unemployed, but they are underemployed because they do not have the skills for the right kind of jobs available.

“In tackling job creation, we want to develop the right skills. We want to ensure that they have the skill set that would make them employable as our new industries come on stream,” he said.

Akwa Ibom FRSC ordered by court to reinstate suspended officer

On other sectors of governance, the renowned entrepreneur pledged to boost agriculture, tourism and education and above all sustain peace in the State that will guarantee the success of his economic blueprint.

“If we need to really develop as a people, we need to go back to agriculture. We should be able to practice agriculture on a sustainable and commercial level. And we will strive to initiate strategies to revolutionalize agriculture. Certainly, Agro-business will be the way to go…We will continue to build on tourism and infrastructure and maintain the ones we have already.

On the health sector, he said: “What our Administration will do is to concentrate on primary healthcare delivery especially in our villages, wards, and units, where at least, every ward will have a functional cottage hospital, so that the people living in the rural areas can have access to medical facilities. We will initiate a digital pharmacy too. These things are not rocket science…” Pastor Eno said.

src

Up Next

Akwa Ibom PDP: Umo Eno has not been suspended

Don't Miss

See photos from APC, Tinubu’s rally in Akwa Ibom

Click to comment

Headlines

Controversy Over Essien Udim Election Fades as PDP Candidate Congratulates APC Rival

Published

2 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Boma AL

The dispute surrounding the October 5 local government election in Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom State, is gradually subsiding after the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Enobong Patrick Friday, issued a congratulatory message to his rival, Ntiedo Usoro of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was declared the winner.

Essien Udim, the home of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, became the center of attention when the local Returning Officer, Professor Inyang Ating, initially announced the PDP candidate as the winner with 55,612 votes, compared to Usoro’s 686 votes. However, the next day, Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) Chairman, Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, declared Usoro of the APC the winner, stating that he had secured 51,751 votes, while the PDP received 22,799 votes.

The sudden reversal sparked protests from PDP stakeholders, who alleged the result was manipulated to favor the Senate President. Some commentators described the decision as a “political palliative” to maintain the relationship between Governor Umo Eno and Akpabio.

Professor Ating’s earlier declaration was dismissed by AKISIEC as fake, with Ikoiwak clarifying that Ating was not officially appointed as Returning Officer and had no authority to announce the results. The legitimate Returning Officer, Professor Uduak Okon, had submitted the official results that declared APC the winner.

After days of silence, the PDP candidate, reportedly under pressure, congratulated Usoro in a message aimed at reducing tensions in the state. In the message, Friday pledged his support for Usoro’s administration, emphasizing the need for governance over electoral disputes.

Despite this, some PDP members have expressed dismay, calling the situation a conspiracy to undermine the will of the people. They raised concerns about the influence of the governor over the state’s electoral commission and its impact on election outcomes.

Crime

EFCC Arrests 28 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Akwa Ibom and Edo States

Published

2 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Boma AL

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 28 individuals suspected of involvement in internet fraud in Akwa Ibom and Edo states.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed the arrests in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Oyewale, the arrests took place on October 7 during a coordinated sting operation based on credible intelligence regarding the suspects’ fraudulent activities. In Akwa Ibom, 13 suspects were arrested in the Nwaniba area of Uyo, while 15 suspects were taken into custody in Benin City, Edo State.

Items seized from the suspects in Akwa Ibom included two Lexus 350 saloon cars, a Toyota Camry V6, a Toyota Corolla, six laptops, and 20 smartphones. In Benin, four luxury vehicles, laptops, and phones were recovered from the suspects.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court following the conclusion of investigations.

Headlines

Gov. Umo Eno Ushers in New Era of Political Harmony in Akwa Ibom

Published

2 hours ago

October 9, 2024

Boma AL

The political landscape of Akwa Ibom State is witnessing a significant shift under Governor Umo Eno, marking a departure from the longstanding “winner-takes-all” approach. Since the state’s creation and the return of democracy in 1999, politics had largely been dominated by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), often isolating opposition parties from state affairs.

Historically, there was a notable divide between members of the ruling party and the opposition, with social and political relationships strained to the extent that associating with opposition figures could lead to sanctions. This exclusionary practice remained the norm until the election of Pastor Umo Eno as governor in 2023.

Despite facing legal challenges leading up to his victory, Eno has demonstrated a commitment to fostering political inclusivity. He publicly invited all Akwa Ibom citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to contribute to the state’s progress. His approach, which emphasizes unity and development over partisan divides, was a clear break from the past and initially surprised members of his own party.

A key moment in this new political chapter occurred when Governor Eno, accompanied by his cabinet and party leaders, visited Senate President Chief Godswill Akpabio, a prominent leader of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abuja. At the event, Eno pledged his willingness to collaborate with Akpabio for the state’s benefit.

Later, during Akpabio’s visit to Akwa Ibom, Governor Eno formally welcomed him at the Government House and hosted a dinner in his honor. This gesture signaled a turning point in Akwa Ibom politics, showcasing a commitment to political inclusion and collaboration.

Governor Eno has continued to attend events celebrating Akpabio’s achievements, reinforcing a spirit of cooperation that has been praised by both sides. This new approach to governance stands in contrast to the more contentious relationships seen under previous administrations, setting a new precedent for political unity in Akwa Ibom State.