Akwa Ibom
Chapter Chairman Tells APC Stakeholders To Drop Differences, Work Together For Party’s Success
Chapter Chairman Tells APC Stakeholders To Drop Differences, Work Together For Party’s Success
Chapter chairman tells APC stakeholders to drop differences, work together for party’s success. The chapter chairman, Comrade Israel Tommy, on Saturday urged stakeholders in Etinan Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) to drop any perceived differences and work together for the party’s success.
While asking them to go beyond the setbacks and disappointments they had experienced in the past, Tommy stressed that the stakeholders must act with greater cohesion and strength of purpose.
The Chairman, during a critical meeting with party leaders in Etinan, the local government area capital, said that the APC led federal government has a track record of achievement that the country has never experienced before irrespective of what is said to the contrary.
“Despite the extraordinary events that have beset us in the intervening months and perhaps because of these subsequent new challenges, the call to unity and for reconciliation remains our great imperative. The APC in Etinan can only progress if we pull together. Disunity is just another way of defeat. We fight against each other at our own collective peril. Ambition is part of the body of politics.
“However, unbridled ambition serves only to tear that body down. Undue ambition and resultant fractiousness will cause us to collapse the very thing we seek to build. The current tendency of trying to build individual nests and of running various political plots and schemes will fail to achieve what is sought. These things will only cloud and fog the air so much that none of us will be able to see our way through.
“Not only will the party be impaired. Many of our individual objectives will be dashed also because the local government chapter of the party will lack the strength and cohesion to carry us through to the needed ends and to the desired victories.
There are many excellent and illustrious people in our state party. With this pedigree of members, we should not know the uncertain condition in which we now find ourselves.
“Part of the problem is due to the high quality, high octane membership we have. People of such talent and experience are unjustly denied due respect and consideration in party deliberations and decisions. However, some of our members have crossed the subtle line between commanding due respect as opposed to seeking to take undue command of the party.
“They have done so perhaps innocently and without being fully conscious of what they were doing and that it was alienating other vital members and tearing at the fabric of internal unity. In the sincere attempt to make the party what it should be they inadvertently stepped across this critical boundary. We need to take a step back and repair the damage this process has caused.
“The notion of entitlement or personal ownership of the APC will keep the party stuck as if caught in wet cement. No one of us owns the party. We all do. The party is an institution of collective membership but also collective ownership.
According to him, the only banner we should raise is the APC banner. Any idea that some informal and nebulous sub-faction should rule and is more important than the party itself must be tossed out the window.
To exalt some small group over the larger is against the democratic spirit of the party and it will fate us all to a troublesome and adverse future.
“Either you are an APC member or you or not. There are no conditions or caveats that govern us. The different political tendencies in the party must now discard their adversarial colorations so that we may coalesce and strengthen the party.
Currently, APC is less than the sum of its individual parts. We must reform how we interact so that the party becomes greater than the sum of those individual parts so that it can accommodate those that are willing to join us.
“We know what the organizational hierarchy should be within the party. Attempts to usurp or ignore the democratic spirit and letter of our party constitution and established norms will fail.
“APC Akwa Ibom is now beyond the Etinan crowd or Nsit Ubium crowd or Nsit Ibom crowd or any crowd for that matter. Together we win. Separate and tendentious we lose.
“The APC Etinan Executive under my leadership is ready to embrace a new more inclusive and collegial mentality because we do not want to drive the party aground.
We’ll not condone any act of fragmentation of the party and the unfair treatment of members by Ward chairmen. This must stop. A party does not become strong by crushing internal opposition, it becomes strong by reconciling it. And only a strong unified party will win the majority of elections it faces.
Under my leadership, the idea of handing the party over to a few individuals to the detriment of others will never happen, because one might win the battle for supremacy in the party but may well lose the greater war which is the general elections. Unless we bind our wounds and rebuild, we will lose respect and focus as a party. This will allow a lesser party to take the victories and the chance to govern this beloved state that should rightfully be ours,” the Chapter Chairman urged
In his remarks, the political leader of the party in Etinan, Obong Ini Obot called on members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to remain united and embrace new members in order to further strengthen the party and position it for victory in future elections.
Expressing satisfaction at the turn out of members at the meeting, Obong Obot encouraged party members to foster a sense of belonging among new and existing members, stressing that the strength of the party lies in its ability to accommodate diverse perspectives while maintaining a united front.
APC
He urged the leaders to intensify efforts in promoting harmony and addressing grievances promptly to ensure members feel valued and respected.
“I have only one plea, please, it is the people that make party and it is through humility and unity that we can gather party members, so please anybody that want to join, don’t shut the door on them.
Don’t let us say some people didn’t vote for us during election, or during primaries you did not work for us, it is people that make the party. Whatever we are going to become in life has been written by God and nobody can hinder it.
So, please don’t let us shut our doors, let us open our doors to allow people to enter our party, so when elections come, it will be easy for us”, the leader said.
Speaking also, Archbishop Andrew Unwanta, who could not hide his excitement, expressed his profound gratitude to the chapter chairman for convening such critical meeting, and thanked stakeholders for attending.
He commended the chairman’s sterling leadership, which, according to him, have strengthened the party’s reputation and drawn more supporters to the party.
Obong Kingsley Peters who also spoke, added that the stakeholders’ efforts have created a solid foundation for the party to thrive in future elections.
Present at the meeting were, Leaders and Stakeholders, Ward chairmen and Exco from the eleven wards as well as chapter Executives.
World Teachers’ Day: Governor Umo Eno Declares October 5 Teaching-Free Day in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Akwa Ibom State Wing, has declared Monday, October 5, 2026, a teaching-free day across the state to enable teachers to participate fully in the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
Eereporter.com
The special celebration will take place at the Uyo Township Stadium by 11:00 a.m., with the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., as the Special Guest of Honour.
The event will be held under the theme: “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping our Futures.”
According to the state government, all public primary and secondary schools across Akwa Ibom will be closed on Monday to allow teachers from the 31 Local Government Areas to attend the celebration.
The government said the occasion would provide an opportunity to honour and appreciate teachers for their contributions to education, human capital development and the overall progress of the state.
It also reaffirmed the commitment of the Umo Eno-led administration to improving teachers’ welfare, professional development, dignity and working conditions.
The government highlighted its interventions in school infrastructure, teacher recruitment and development, human capital development, teachers’ welfare and the provision of conducive learning environments.
Umo Eno
It described education as a major pillar of the ARISE Agenda, stressing that teachers remain central to the success of the education system and the development of the next generation.
The state government also commended the Nigerian Union of Teachers for its partnership in promoting industrial harmony, professional excellence and the dignity of the teaching profession in Akwa Ibom.
The government called on teachers, education stakeholders, parents, students and members of the public to join in celebrating teachers and recognising their contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
Eereporter.com
Gov Eno Flags Off Ikot Ekpene International Market, Targets Trade, Jobs, Economic Growth
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has officially unveiled the design and performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Ikot Ekpene International Market, describing the project as a strategic investment in trade, employment and economic development.
Eereporter.com
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 30, as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, took place in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, Governor Eno said the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to delivering tangible infrastructure across the state.
He recalled earlier questions from the opposition regarding the number and location of the 39 projects promised as part of the anniversary activities.
“When we first started, the opposition asked, ‘Where are the 39 projects?’
“Today, we can gladly tell them to come and see,” the Governor said.
Governor Eno explained that the project was not merely about constructing a market but about investing in the economic future of Akwa Ibom State.
“Today, we are not just laying a foundation or turning the sod for this market; we are laying a foundation for prosperity, building infrastructure for opportunities, and creating a platform upon which our traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers, and young people can build their dreams,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Captain Iniobong Ekong (Rtd.), said the project reflected the administration’s efforts to position Akwa Ibom as a hub for trade, tourism and industrialisation.
According to him, the first phase of the market comprises 30 blocks of double-deck structures containing 108 shops, alongside two warehouses, restaurants, cold rooms, a police station, asphalt and concrete roads.
Ekong said the strategic location of the market would attract traders and customers from neighbouring states and beyond, particularly Cross River, Abia and Rivers states, as well as Cameroon.
“Upon completion, this market is going to generate income and revenue, create employment, and connect us with the trade hubs of the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
The Director-General of Campaigns, Ambassador Chief Assam Assam (SAN), commended Governor Eno for initiating the project, noting that its strategic location would make it accessible to communities across the state.
He recalled the Governor’s earlier promise to establish an international market in Ikot Ekpene, describing the project as the fulfilment of that commitment.
“I remember that the Governor was in Ikot Ekpene Stadium when he said he was going to build an international market in Ikot Ekpene. This market is this Governor’s dream child,” Assam said.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in the area, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien said the project was conceived by the people of Ikot Ekpene in 2010 but remained unrealised through successive administrations.
He commended Governor Eno for actualising the project.
“This project started in 2010 when it was conceived by the people of Ikot Ekpene. And through three administrations, this project did not see the light of day, but when you came with the finisher’s anointing, this project is now actualised,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Elder Aniefiok Nkom, expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for commencing the long-awaited project.
Nkom recalled previous discussions on the economic importance of the market, noting that its location was expected to redirect commercial traffic and attract traders who ordinarily travel to other commercial centres.
He described the Governor as “a man of his word,” saying the people of Ikot Ekpene were excited by the commencement of the project.
Ikot Ekpene International Market
The Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, also expressed gratitude to the Governor, describing the project as a significant development for the area.
Upon completion, the Ikot Ekpene International Market is expected to strengthen commercial activities, create employment opportunities and expand Akwa Ibom State’s trade links with neighbouring states and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.
Eereporter.com
2026 NECO: Akwa Ibom Government Rejects ‘False’ Ranking, Says 83 Centres’ Results Pending
The Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed as false and misleading a report circulating on social media which purportedly ranked the state among the lowest-performing states in the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) results.
Eereporter.com
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said the report was based on a performance chart that did not represent the official data released by NECO.
Umanah explained that although NECO released the 2026 examination results on September 24, 2026, the performance chart published by Premium Times was not an official NECO document, contrary to the impression created by the publication.
According to the Commissioner, while the published chart placed Abia, Ebonyi and Ekiti States first, second and third respectively, the official NECO data identifies Kano, Lagos and Oyo States as the first, second and third-ranked states.
He further disclosed that NECO was yet to release the results of 83 out of the 214 examination centres operated by public schools in Akwa Ibom State.
He said the examination body was still completing the sorting and verification of the statutory accreditation status of the affected centres.
Umanah therefore described any attempt to rank or assess the overall performance of Akwa Ibom at this stage as premature, noting that the outstanding results could affect the state’s final performance assessment.
The Commissioner urged media organisations to exercise greater diligence when reporting examination statistics, particularly where official results are still being processed.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Umo Eno to the development of education, noting that the sector remains a major priority under the ARISE Agenda.
Umanah said the 2026 Approved Budget provides more than ₦35 billion for education, while ₦5.9 billion has been released to the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for basic education intervention projects for 2025 and 2026.
He added that the state government had continued to construct model primary schools across the state to provide pupils with conducive learning environments.
According to him, the government has also paid bursaries to students and covered examination fees for candidates sitting for Placement Examinations, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Beyond infrastructure and institutional support, Umanah said Governor Umo Eno had continued to provide direct assistance to young people pursuing higher education.
He cited the Governor’s recent approval of full overseas tuition support for a young graduate to pursue a master’s degree abroad, as well as an earlier scholarship awarded to a young law graduate from the Government Children’s Home to enable her pursue a master’s degree overseas.
The Commissioner said the interventions demonstrated the administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and creating opportunities for young Akwa Ibom people to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.
Umo Eno
Umanah consequently urged members of the public to disregard the Premium Times publication and similar claims based on the purported performance chart, stressing that they do not reflect the official NECO data currently available.
He advised the public to rely on verified and authoritative sources, particularly information released by NECO, for accurate updates on the 2026 examination results.
Eereporter.com
-
Crime1 year agoKogi Assembly Considers Law To Regulate Rent, Establish Control Board: Tenancy Law
-
News2 years agoAtiku Reveals Why He Failed To Pick Wike As Running Mate In 2023
-
Akwa Ibom2 years agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Crime2 years agoFederal High Court Jails 2 For Vandalizing Transformer, Telecom Mast In Kogi
-
News2 years agoThe Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Akwa Ibom2 years agoUmo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News2 years agoSenator Natasha Returns To Senate With Husband Amid Seat Dispute
-
Economy1 year agoKiyosaki: Is Tinubu’s Government Afraid Of Ibrahim Traore?