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Why Governor Umo Eno Barred Channels Television From The Government House Press Centre

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Umo Eno

Why Governor Umo Eno Barred Channels Television From The Government House Press Centre

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has barred the Channels Television crew from the Government House Press Centre in Uyo following the station’s broadcast of a video clip in which he openly confirmed plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development comes after Channels Television aired footage of the governor’s remarks on Friday.

It is understood that the broadcast embarrassed the governor.

According to sources within the Government House, the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Ekerete Udoh, summoned members of the press corps following the broadcast and cautioned them against further dissemination of the video.

“On Saturday morning, Ekerete (Udoh) called the Channels TV crew, and (he) informed them that the governor has barred them from the press centre,” a source said. “The governor was so furious, he wanted to sack Ekerete and disband the entire press corps.”

The eviction affects Channels Television’s long-serving Government House correspondent, Christopher Moffat, and the station’s cameraman, Kufre Ikpe.

Notably, the decision comes just days after Channels TV Chairman and CEO, Mr John Momoh, visited Governor Eno at the Government House during the recently concluded Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Week in Uyo.

The governor’s remarks that triggered the reaction from the government were made during a meeting held Thursday at the Government House. Though the session was initially convened to review ongoing government projects, it quickly turned political.

In an address to members of the State Executive Council, Governor Eno made it clear that any cabinet member unwilling to follow him to the APC should prepare to step down.

“We want our commissioners and members of Exco, appointees, and those of you who are saying that you would not come, you are free absolutely not to join me, but you won’t be in my State Executive Council,” the governor said.

“Prepare to resign the day I announced that I am moving because you cannot; you are an appointee, and your loyalty is fully to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It is what it is,” he added.

Umo Eno

Umo Eno

The governor cited internal disputes within the PDP, particularly the unresolved litigation over the party’s National Secretary position, as the key reason for his planned defection.

He also declared that he would not relinquish control of the PDP structure in Akwa Ibom, a stance believed to put him in conflict with his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, who is reportedly not aligning with the APC shift.

According to sources, Governor Eno’s official defection is expected to take place in early June.

Akwa Ibom

Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

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Akwa Ibom

Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno has announced a support fund of N160 million for Akwa Ibom State Workers.

The Governor also gifted the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Kingsley Akpan and the State Chairperson of the Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Kingsley Ekong brand new Cars in commemoration of the day.

The Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi who represented the Governor at the event, said it was a commitment by Gov Eno to supporting Akwa Ibom State Workers as their dedication, resilience and productivity have significantly boosted productivity in the state’s overall development.

She described Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the steady influx of organisations and groups holding meetings in the state to its safety and stability, noting that recent commendations came in yesterday as the Inspector General of Police, Tinju Disu and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sunday Kelvin further underscored the Government’s investments in security and peaceful coexistence.

“Just yesterday the IGP of Police and Chief Air Staff applauded the Gov for the peaceful and decent nature of the state.

“ And this speaks to the commitment and investment made by the Governor of the state.”

Eyakenyi, however, urged the Trade Union Congress to acknowledge the administration’s efforts in maintaining security and empowering youths, stressing that such initiatives had significantly contributed to the calm atmosphere in the state.

She disclosed that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Governor to present key issues affecting workers, noting that the Governor promptly constituted a committee to address the concerns within one month.

She also paid tribute to the outgoing NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, praising his patriotism and commitment to the growth of the state as she expressed optimism that he would continue to contribute to development even after his tenure.

Eyakenyi announced further that the state government was rewarding Comrade Akpan and Mr. Ekong, with official vehicles to support their work. She reiterated the government’s commitment to worker’s welfare, including the payment of gratuities, revealing that about N82 billion had been paid out of over N100 billion.

She added that the government had also provided housing for civil servants through a transparent raffle system and sustained training programmes to enhance manpower development, pledging that worker’s welfare would remain a top priority of the administration.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Udo Kierian, in his tone setting, said May Day remained a significant occasion set aside globally to celebrate hardworking employees across both public and private sectors, noting that the state workforce had every reason to celebrate in view of the government’s favourable policies.

He stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the governor had carried workers along in governance, adding that the administration’s vision and mission had been effectively interpreted through various ministries and government offices.

Also, the NLC State Chairperson, Comrade Sunny James, commended the administration of Governor Eno for efforts in promoting workers, and sued for a more speedy process in implementation.

He also appreciated the Governor for paying gratuities till date.

“We have a leader who loves workers and is gradually clearing gratuities,” he said.

James described his tenure which began in April of 2019 as “not an easy one” noting that despite challenges, his leadership has recorded significant strides in representing workers’ interest.

He urged workers to remain committed and united as he bows out honourably in few months.

He further noted that even in moments of disagreement, Governor Eno had consistently demonstrated a willingness to find common ground, resolving issues amicably.

Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Governor

In their various solidarity messages, Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elise Peter, Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Chief Judge represented by Justice Effiong Effiong, TUC Chairman Mr. Akpan, State Chairperson Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Akpan, commended the Governor for his commitment to worker’s welfare, noting that despite occasional disagreements, the governor had always sought for ways of bettering the lots for workers.

They also acknowledged his administration’s efforts in promoting workers, mobilising contractors back to sites, and gradually clearing outstanding gratuities, while expressing optimism that the existing cooperation between labour and government would further enhance development and industrial harmony in the state.

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Akwa Ibom

NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community

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NAF

NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community

A routine flight turned into an unforgettable moment in Nsit Ibom as Nigeria marked Workers’ Day. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) demonstrated its people-focused service during a routine liaison mission within the Niger Delta area.

While en route on the mission, the crew executed a precautionary landing at a primary school football field in Nsit Ibom LGA, in line with standard safety procedures.

The unexpected arrival of the helicopter transformed the quiet community space into a scene of excitement, drawing children and youths from Afaha Abia and Ikot Obio Asanga villages, many witnessing a military helicopter up close for the first time. What began as a routine mission quickly evolved into a meaningful moment of connection and inspiration.

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Seizing the opportunity, NAF personnel engaged warmly with the young audience, sharing insights into career pathways and emphasizing the values of discipline, service, and patriotism. The interaction ignited hope and aspiration among the youths, with several expressing a desire to join the Service.

NAF

NAF

Seamless coordination between Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Army personnel, alongside the warm reception by community leaders, further reinforced the strong bond between the military and the people.

Following necessary aviation procedures, the helicopter safely departed and has since returned to base, leaving behind more than just a story, it sparked hope, pride, and stands as a powerful testament to the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to national defence, community engagement, and inspiring the next generation.

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Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana

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Ibom Air

Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana

Today, the people of Akwa Ibom State rolled out the drums, once again, in celebration of a milestone achievement with the completion of the international terminal and the commencement of international operations at the Victor Attah International Airport.

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, was on ground, and officially declared the airport ready for international operations.

Ibom Air

Ibom Air

The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed satisfaction with the development, saying, “I am indeed proud to be an Akwa Ibomite.”

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