Akwa Ibom - Previous

Akwa Ibomites On How Govt Can Curb Kidnaping, Killing

FROM INEMESIT AKPAN-NSOH, UYO

THE incidence of violent crime such as kidnapping, killing, armed robbery and other social vices is affecting many parts of the country, compelling chief executives of affected states to call for help from the military. Remarkably, the crime of kidnapping, which was thought to be concentrated in the southern part has also crawled to parts of the North, where it was never heard of in the past.

One of the respondents who spoke to The Guardian, observed "as we approach election period anything can happen". He noted that some unscrupulous people could even orchestrate the criminal activities in order to give political opponents bad reputation.

In Akwa Ibom State, cases of kidnapping and killing, have seen some politicians pointing accusing finger at the state government. But speaking with The Guardian, a criminologist and lecturer at the University of Uyo, Dr. Aniekan Brown, said it was impossible for the government to organise crime against its own people. He said that the will to nip the crime is the collective responsibility of the people of the state including the government, which must ensure that it brings the instrument of justice to bear on perpetrators of the crimes.

"The point is that there is need to get the suspects and process them through the law; then we can establish whether it is political or not. For me, to say it is politically motivated would be speculative and would be unbecoming of me as an academician".

Stated Brown "as a criminologist, my position is always that crime is usually caused by the social structure, and so from that point of view, I want to argue that it is collective, we are responsible for this major crime in this state"

The immediate past Police Commissioner of the state, Walter Rugbere, had always said, at several press conferences, that none of the suspects arrested so far had mentioned any government official as the sponsor of kidnapping or killing.

Steve Ibanga, a surveyor and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship aspirant, said "I don't look at it as being political, even though things happened and it looks political, I think it is more of social and economic because if these youths are engaged, a lot of this wouldn't have been happening"

Corroborating, Jerry Akpan, a lawyer and Special Adviser to Governor Godswil Akpabio on political and legislative affairs, said, the governor had "time without number, promised other political office seekers in the state of a level playing ground." He said, it would be "unbecoming of the same governor to sponsor kidnapping or killing in a state he has developed for all to enjoy or knowing that such development could lead to the declaration of State of Emergency; if the rate o the crime becomes unbearable.

He continued, "I want to tell you that government knows all these things; some people just exploit the situation to kidnap or kill political office seekers, so that it may look as if government has a hand in it".

Chief press secretary to the governor, Usoro Usoro, as early as January this year, at a press conference, said the governor had alleged that, some politicians based on security reports were trying to make the state ungovernable by sponsoring kidnapping in the state and blaming it on the government; so that is what is playing out now.

THE kidnap of the wife of former military governor Sam Ewang was quite unfortunate and regrettable, but it should not be unnecessarily politicised because other Akwa Ibom persons have been unfortunately kidnapped in the last few months and the governor has done everything humanly possible under his power as governor to ensure that Akwa Ibom is safe and he felt very concern once any Akwa Ibom person is kidnapped; as governor who does not control the police, SSS and other security operatives, he ensures that Akwa Ibom is kept safe, and felt concern any Akwa Ibom person is affected by this crime of kidnapping, is not only the wife of aspirants, there are trying to politicize the whole thing.

Is it reasonable to think that a governor would want to go out and kidnap a wife of an aspirant to gain what; is it right that a governor would go out and instigate kidnapping so that they blame or what would he gain, or so that his state would be declared as ungovernable, insecure for investor, is it to collect money, what would he do with such money; the governor is not a violent person, the governor does not belief in politics of bitterness, he is not a desperado, therefore, a governor who has the mass support of the people, would not go out to instigate all forms of crimes.

Speaking in same vain on the kidnap of Mrs Enwang, the state commissioner for information and social re-orientation Mr. Aniekan Umanah; went further to explain that facts on ground have not indicted the government in anywhere, as the government during the incident, conferred and sympathized with Capt. Sam Enwang; thanking God that, few days later the state security service (SSS) arrested five men who confessed to have hands in the kidnapping across the state.

Continuing he said that, since truth was always bound to prevail over falsehood, the desperate moves by "few political desperadoes" to discredit the state government would soon be exposed. The governor, he said, has refused to be distracted by the deliberate falsehood and blatant lies perpetuated by opposing elements that "lack political ideologies and content," and will continue to remain focused on delivering democracy dividends to his people.

"The governor believes that his people will judge him not by how many published lies and rumours he reacted to, but by the quantum and quality of programmes and transformation he brought to Akwa Ibom State in eight years. Since they cannot fault Governor Akpabio on performance, they have resorted to frivolous, cheap blackmail rather than on issues," he asserted.

One other aide of the governor, reminded that the Akpabio administration, at inception put in place a Joint Task Force to fight crime; wondering why the same government would condescend to sponsor killing and kidnapping, which would destroy that which it has built.

Immediate past chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ekanem Ekanem, stated that, the hydra-headed monster of kidnapping has become a national issue and thus not peculiar to Akwa Ibom alone.

He said, "I wouldn't want to speculate as to whether or not the spate of kidnapping, robbery and other criminal matters has any political undertone. Perhaps why we feel it here so much is because, we all live here; we do have kidnappings these days in the far north, I wouldn't say these vices are peculiar to Akwa Ibom State but we feel it more because we live here".

NEARLY all the people who spoke with The Guardian, exonerated government but rather called for concerted efforts to tame the crime in the state. Most said it was inconceivable that the government would elect to destroy the same house it has expended the tax-payers' money to build, especially like in Akwa Ibom State where Akpabio is seeking second term.

But, in separate interviews, they called on the government to exhibit the political will in invoking the anti-kidnapping law to tackle the problem; reasoning that once that is done, the insinuation of its involvement in the crime would be reduced; and of course, this would act as deterrent to others.

Again, since most of the killings and armed robbery are carried out by criminals riding on motor-cycle, the respondents asked the government to take the "bull by the horn by banning them within the city".

Another strategy that the respondents believed would help the state enjoy the coming Yuletide in peace is the approval of new army barracks and naval base in the state. According to the people, as was done in Abia State, government should bring the military men to the state capital where these crimes are in high rate.

To the kidnappers and would-be criminals, the respondents appealed that they give government a chance as Governor Akpabio has promised that his second term agenda would concentrate on the establishment of cottage industries in the council areas, which would accommodate more indigenes in terms of employment. To the government, they urged, that it should live up to its promises of meeting the social and economic needs of the teeming unemployed youths in the state, saying that once this is done, the population of young people vulnerable to violent acts would reduce drastically.
Source: The Guardian, 19^th December 2010.

My achievements intimidate my opponents —Akpabio

From: TAIWO AMODU, Abuja

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio has denied that he has been intimidating other members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state who have interest in the governorship ticket to publicly declare their ambition.Speaking with journalists last Wednesday when he came to submit his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the governorship race at the party national secretariat, Abuja Akpabio said that he has not been arm- twisting, or threatening any presumed aspirant [s], but, his opponents, just like himself are intimidated by the achievements of his government. ``What is intimidating them could be the profile of achievements on ground. Even for me as a governor, I get intimidated by what we have achieved in three and half years, `` he told newsmen. Excerpts:

You are here to submit your form to contest for the party PDP's ticket and ultimately, seek a fresh mandate. What are your chances?

It depends on you, it depends on God and the people of Akwa Ibom State. I didn't make myself governor, my people rose up and decided to vote for me and God sealed their desire. I am a firm believer in the word of God that every authority in the universe comes from God and unless God builds the house, the labourer labours in vain.

There is an allegation that you are intimidating others who want to pick form on the platform of PDP?

No, that's not true. What is intimidating them could be the profile of achievements on the ground. Even for me as a governor, I get intimidated by what we have achieved in three and half years. That isa fact.

If you come to Akwa Ibom State, the difference is clear. The President said so , the Vice president said so, the First Lady said so and many Senators said so .

I can tell you that if you have an administration that under three and half years has completed more than 200 urban roads, complete at least five federal urban high ways and dualised them and give free and compulsory education and codified it then appointed education monitors for schools to ensure that no child is left behind sand no single child is seen on the road hawking and there is triple school enrolment, you are building more than 200 classrooms blocks and you had renovated so many others and you have completed five new general hospitals….. if you have a government that have been able to give you the first e-library and has completed an international airport with international runway.

If you have that kind of government, what else are you looking forward? My people are in a dream world and that's the dream of PDP administration in Akwa Ibom State and they want to go back to that dream.

How far has the South-South gone in its negotiation with the North, as the Northern Political Leaders Forum continues with its task to produce a consensus candidate from the rank of leading contenders in your party from the zone?

You have heard that a number of aspirants have decided on a consensus candidate; that's the measure of acceptance by Nigerians, of the Goodluck/ Sambo ticket.

But let me also state very clearly that it shows the lack of depth in the quest by those candidates . They have nothing else to offer, all they are telling you is that they are engaged in a conspiracy, a racket against the interest of the Nigerian people. Something that is essentially anchored and weighted by corrupt intention and the people of this country will reject it

Are you going into this race with your deputy; there is speculation that some would drop their deputies?

I haven't heard, when I hear I would answer.

But are you retaining your deputy?

I haven't heard at all. In fact, every state has its own peculiarity. In some states, you have some zoning arrangement that might necessitate movement of candidate from one area to the other and I think time will tell.

But let me thank you gentlemen for giving me the opportunity to speak with you after submitting my form and because you are all in PDP headquarters, my belief is that many of you are PDP compliant and if you are my assurance to you is that Akwa Ibom is one state that you don't need to bother about .It will return PDP in 2011 and we aren't returning PDP on the basis of sentiment, we are returning PDP on the basis of feasible achievements, things that are on the ground for you to see.

When the President came to Akwa Ibom a few weeks ago, I made a statement on national television ; that in the Bible, they said Nathaniel heard about the good work of Jesus Christ: made the weak to work and the blind to see, he got so much that he exclaimed that can any good thing come from Nazareth? And then somebody was standing by his side, Phillip answered, come and see.

So, I told all Nigerians that it isn't enough to hear that there is an administration in Akwa Ibom that has achieved the greatest since democracy started in 1999. My answer is, come and see. If you are hearing that we have done an underground drainage system, that goes underground for 3.7km without the need for you to excavate and then pay compensation on housing, my answer is come and see.

If you are hearing that we have dualised many federal highways, with bridges and areas that never had roads, .. where the Deputy Inspector General of police comes from, where Ray Ekpu comes, where from, now they have a road, my answer is come and see.

"You have heard that a number of aspirants have decided on a consensus candidate; that's the measure of acceptance by Nigerians, of the Goodluck/ Sambo ticket.

An SOS For Akwa Ibom Children Advocate

BY VICTOR EKPUK

FOR long, I have been following the unfortunate human tragedy —the abuse, killing and destitution of children accused of witchcraft — in our beloved Akwa Ibom State.

I am a native of Ikot Afagha Idung Ukpa, a small village after Ikot Uso Ekong on Etebi Road in Eket. That is where the Children Rights And Rehabilitation Network (CRARN) center, which caters for the abandoned and rescued children, is situated. As some of us already know, because of this so-called "witch children" phenomenon, that village has been the focus of world media for some time now. Yet, I am proud of the kind-heartedness of the people of my village. I am particularly proud of Samuel Ikpe Itauma for his forthrightness and big heart, for it takes a special human being to take on the burdens of other people's children as he has done by establishing CRARN.

When I first learnt about this tragedy, the most that I could do was to offer my property free of charge to shelter the children until CRARN moved to its permanent site. With the help of UNICEF, BRISTOL and STEPPING STONES and the generous donations from kind-hearted people across the country, many of the abused, abandoned and stigmatized children of Akwa Ibom State now have a safe place in a community that recognizes their humanity.

On August 25th and 26th 2010, CNN aired a special about the abuse of "Witch Children" in Nigeria. To my utter surprise, the state governor, Godswill Akpabio, who was interviewed for the programme, stated that the whole story is a scam and an exaggerated attempt to embarrass his government and paint a bad image of Akwa Ibom State.

Later in his radio address to the state, the governor went on to say that he is putting the police on surveillance around the CRARN compound, although he did not explain the goal of this official directive. I am deeply distressed by this. It would be recalled that in the wake of the first international media exposé of the child abuse in 2009, suspected assassins went to CRARN in search of Sam Itauma, in the process they beat up some of the children and made away with Sam's computer and digital camera.

This time, just two days after the governor announced his intention to put Itauma and CRARN under surveillance, armed gangs invaded Ikot Afagha village at about 1am and shattered its peace. They shot firearms in front Sam Itauma's residence and at the CRARN Center where the children reside. They left the residents, particularly the already traumatized children, in shock.

Despite the fact that Sam Itauma has committed no crime, he has gone into hiding simply because it is apparent that his life is in danger. So far, the state government has not provided evidence of any breach of the law by Itauma and Garry Foxcroft to warrant hunting them like common criminals.

On the last visit home, in April 2010, I conducted an art workshop with the children at CRARN. I noticed that the goodwill of donors have been put to good use. For instance, there is a hostel for girls built with funds from UNICEF, another hostel donated by Bristol (Bristol Helicopters) was under construction, and more land has been acquired around the center to expand and provide vocational training and accommodation for increasing number of rescued children. On the 17th of September 2010, Suomi Sakai, Representative of UNICEF in Nigeria was at the Center to commission a new building donated by UNICEF.

There is a school and a few volunteer teachers, administrators and a counselor. The children, in spite of the physical and emotional scars inflicted on them looked healthy and cheerful, though most told me of their yearning for parental love and desire to go back home. The counselor on the staff helps to counsel parents and reunite some of them with their children.

With support from people like you, the children are getting education, food, shelter and medical care. (I was surprised that there was a digital slide projector for me to show my presentation from my computer, when few public schools in Akwa Ibom have digital projection equipment, an essential educational tool in the 21st century).

With Itauma's absence, gloom hangs over the CRARN Center. The children who call him "Uncle Sam" are fearful of what will happen to them if the current situation gets worse and the Center is forced to close. The Center has been their only reason to be hopeful, their only protection from the dangers in the streets, and the only source of happiness after the trauma of their previous experiences.

Ikot Afagha village is now under siege by armed gangs. And my questions are: is Akwa Ibom State still a democracy? Are we free citizens with full human rights, or have we turned back the clock to the nightmare years of the military dictatorships?

In light of the above, I am imploring people of good conscience to use their connections to intercede to protect the rights of these vulnerable children. Governor Akpabio can stand tall; take the high road and dialogue with these NGOs thereby building more positive political image for himself and for benefit of Akwa Ibom State and our children.
Source: The Guardian, 26^th September 2010.

Violence: Police arrest 29 suspects, rescue pastor in A'Ibom

By Our Reporter

THE Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested 29 suspected youths of three Local Government Areas for causing public disturbance while protesting along the Ibom International Airport in Okobo local government area.

The command also said it had rescued Pastor Lanre Adeboye of Living Faith Church otherwise known as Winners' Chapel in the hands of his abductors.

The youths of Uruan, Nsit Atai and Okobo local government areas had on Tuesday embarked on a protest over what they described as lopsided employment policy against the host communities in which the Ibom international Airport was sited.

The placard-carrying youths barricaded major roads leading to the airport thereby causing heavy traffic gridlock.

Speaking on the development on Wednesday, the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Walter Rugbere, said that the police had so far arrested 29 suspects for causing public disturbance, adding that the suspects would be soon be charged to court.
Source: Punch, 22^nd September 2010.

Akpabio Says A'Ibom Votes Guaranteed for Jonathan

From Okon Bassey in Uyo

Ahead of the 2011 Presidential election, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has told all other presidential aspirants that the votes of people from the state were guaranteed for President Goodluck Jonathan.

He also told other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirants that they should not bother campaigning in the state as the people are for Jonathan.

Akpabio, who spoke yesterday in Ikot Ekwere during a thanksgiving service for Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, said there was even no need for Jonathan to campaign in the state because Akwa Ibom is totally for him.

"The position of the Akwa Ibom people is that we are very unshakable; we are behind Jonathan. So if there is anybody who wants to come for presidential campaign in Akwa Ibom State, the message is simple… should see Jonathan".

He stated that the South-South region and its resources had been sued in the past to build the country, adding that it is the time for the country to compensate the region.

"We are not saying we should not zone because zoning is important in politics, but we are saying that we zone to un-zone and we are now saying that as part of the post amnesty programme, Jonathan should continue beyond 2011.

Senator Bob used the occasion to declared intention for third saying the constitution allow a senator to contest as long as his people want him.

Among the dignitaries that attended the event were Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN) who represented the Senate President, Senator Suleiman Adokwe from Nasarawa State, Akwa Ibom Caucus in the National Assembly, Chief Helen Esuene, Senatoral Aspirant, Minister land housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien.
Source: This Day, 13^th September 2010.

79, 588 Passengers Patronise Ibom Airport, says Commissioner

By Udo Ibuot

UYO—AIRPORT traffic at the Ibom International Airport at Uyo, has witnessed a geometric rise with no fewer than 79,588 passengers undertaking commercial flights since the commencement of inaugural flight at the airport in September last year.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Social Re-Orientation, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, who revealed this in a chat with newsmen, said the opening of the airport was a blessing as it had broadened the economic horizon of Akwa Ibom and placed the state in a vantage position for business development and investment in the country.

He said landing of the inaugural flight in the airport in September 2009 signaled a speedy and steady growth which has increased commercial and tourism activities in the state, adding that more visitors had visited the state because of its direct link with other parts of the country.

Umanah noted: "The opening of the airport and the commencement of commercial flight have signalled what is set to become the biggest economy in the Gulf of Guinea", adding that the Akwa Ibom State government was fast tracking arrangements for international cargo flight operations which will spare Nigerian businessmen and women the agony of travelling only through Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The commissioner said the ongoing MRO project, the national hangar and the recent ground breaking of the permanent terminal building of the airport by President Goodluck Jonathan indicated that the airport was on course for international operations.

He said with the Ibom Tropicana Centre and Ibom Industrial City projects underway, the commercial aspect of the airport will be complimented as this would make the state a tourism hub and economic destination.

While noting that Dana Airlines and Aero were operating daily flights to the state, the Commissioner noted that the people of Akwa Ibom were now enjoying the benefit of good governance and democratic dividends courtesy of the people-oriented leadership of Chief Godswill Akpabio
Source: Vanguard, 9^th September 2010.

10 Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in A'Ibom

From Okon Bassey in Uyo , 09.09.2010

Close monitoring of the movement and activities of kidnappers in Akwa Ibom State has paid off as the state Police Command had in the last two weeks arrested 10 of the suspected kidnappers in different localities in the state.

Parading the suspects yesterday at the Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan-Abia, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Walter J. Rugbere disclosed that two of the victims were rescued.

Also, five locally made pistols, three single barrel guns, 5 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, 13 rounds of live cartridges, one round of 7.62 short live ammunition, 3 empty shell, two machetes, a bag containing charms and two face masks were recovered from the suspects.

A three man gang of the suspected kidnappers were reportedly arrested by security operatives August 16th while ambushing to kidnap a businessman at Ikpe Mbiabet, Essien Udim LGA.

Rugbere said two set of kidnappers were arrested at Umon Okon village in Essien Udim LGA August 15th, while another two man gang suspect were nabbed in Ika LGA August 14th while on a plot to kidnap a contractor in the area.

The Police boss who further disclosed that another three suspected kidnappers including a lady entered the police net August 6th just as three men suspected to be ritualists were arrested September 5th.

The Commissioner explained that the ritualists, all residing at Port Harcourt were caught in the act of exhuming the corpse of a hunchback at Idu Uruan in Uruan LGA of the state for money ritual.

Rugbere attributed the breakthrough in crime prevention in the State on the cooperation and information supply by the people of the state.

"The reinforcement strategies and plans via proactive approaches have yielded unquantifiable results, as criminals in the state have met their worst times," he said.

"My gallant officers and men who are ever ready to rid the state of miscreants have fought tirelessly to ensure Akwa Ibom State remains a safe haven for all.

"We have launched a vigorous and a penetrative campaign against kidnappers as we have now taken the fight to them in their hide out in the bush", he stressed.
Source: This Day, 9^th September 2010.

Kidnappings: Prophet blames pastors

From JOE EFFIONG, Uyo

In Akwa Ibom State, so many pastors have been kidnapped; those who manage to escape direct attack might not have been quite lucky concerning members of their families and worse still their church members. Realizing this problem, some pastors have been preaching against kidnapping; the state CAN chairman in the state, Dr Cletus Bassey has severally warned kidnappers to steer clear of the church before the wrath of God descends upon them.

But a set of clergy known as International Council of Prophets/Apostles (ICOPA) has put the problem squarely on the shoulders of the church accusing fellow pastors of fueling the ambers of kidnapping through the kind of gospel they preach on their respective pulpits.

The group which assembled in Uyo last Wednesday to mark the 2010 conference said kidnapping blossoms because pastors are in the habit of telling the youth to prosper without providing them with the means to get the prosperity.

The international president of the body, Apostle Ukpe, who handed down this verdict while chatting with Daily Sun also expressed disappointment over what has become of the Christians religion and blamed the situation on the proliferation of churches, which he said does not go in line with the scriptures.

On the issue of permissiveness, Ukpe said that churches were known for decency and discipline, but nakedness has today become the order of the day as focus has been changed from giving pure worship to God to unhealthy competitions.

In view of the adulterations which have overtaken the Christian religion, Ukpe said their conference would among other things seek to restore the dignity of the church of God globally, and effect the renaissance of the prestigious Christ founded ministry of the Apostle and prophets in the world.

The council, which he said was established 11 years ago with the vision of the restoration of the church of God and nations to God will without prejudice drag the church back to the biblical Apostle culture.

"The churches have fallen below standard, even the pulpit ethics have long been forgotten" Apostle lamented.

Ukpe said that people no longer go to church because of the desire to please God, but as a means of escape from problems and for other selfish reasons

Taking a strong position on kidnapping which he said has come to stay in the country, the international president said that kidnapping will continue to rule the state until the government recognizes the spiritual authority of the Lord and sincerely asks for God's direction.

He however gave the assurance that the council would on its part continue to seek the face of God to bring about true restoration to the land which he said had been seriously destroyed by fake religious leaders who come as wolf in sheep's covering deceiving and misleading the world.

The world secretary of ICOPA Apostle Nsikak Ubong blamed the churches for all the misfortunes that have befallen the society, through the introduction of much confusion into the church.

Apostle Ubong said the preaching of prosperity in churches has indeed led many astray as people were no longer concerned about how they make money but to fulfill the preachers prophesy of prosperity of all members, a situation which he said has led many into all sort of social vices such as armed robbery, kidnapping and the rest.

"The uncontrolled desire to be rich has also led many religious leaders to condone all manner of things in the church for fear of losing rich members. This is why any decay in the society should be traced to the church as the leaders have allowed themselves to be overpowered by the world, hence, leaving the sheep under their care to go stray.
Source: Daily Sun, 31^st August 2010.

Akpabio raises alarm over illegal use of his phone number

Our reporter

THE Akwa Ibom State Government has raised alarm over what it described as "high level desperation by the opposition group" in the state to bring the state governor, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, at logger heads with prominent indigenes of the state and the presidency.

The government said the governor's phone number 08075707070, was being used through cloning, to send text messages that they have been sent by the state governor to either assassinate or kidnap them.

The move, government said, is "intended to create fear among the people and paint a picture of insecurity in the state as we move closer to 2011, which is the election year.

"They have tried all other antics and it has refused to work for them and that is why they have decided to go a step further in their insatiable wish to discredit the governor by cloning his mobile telephone line and using it to send text messages purportedly from the governor.

According to the commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, "we also have it on good authority that they are planning to use that same number to send anti- presidency messages around the nation in-order to paint the governor as anti establishment governor, which is far from the truth. That is why we are alerting the public on the plans."

"Having failed in their numerous attempts to paint the Godswill Akpabio-led administration in bad light, the opposition have gone into the criminal act of cloning the governor's telephone number 08075707070, which they have been using to send death threats and kidnap messages to prominent indigenes of the state in order to give the impression that Governor Akpabio was behind the spate of kidnapping and politically motivated assassinations in the state".
Source: The Nation, 29^th August 2010.

Gunmen kidnap council boss, kill two in Akwa Ibom ...as five die in flood

By Kazeem Ibrahym

UNKNOWN gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Thursday night kidnapped the Chairman of Onna Local Government, Mrs. Owoidighe Ekpoattai, and shot dead two policemen attached to the council boss as security aides.

One of the aides of the chairman, who preffered anonymity for security reasons, confided in our correspondent that one policeman died instantly while the other was said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

The kidnappers were said to have trailed the council boss shortly after the Peoples Democratic Party stakeholders meeting in the Local Government Area.

Several attempt made by our correspondent to get the reaction of the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Walter Rugbere, proved abortive as calls made to his telephone lines were not answered.

Meanwhile, five persons were confirmed dead while more than 200 sustained injuries following massive flooding in four coastal communities in Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom.

The flood, resulting from a downpour on August 11, led to an ocean surge that damaged economic trees, household property and buildings worth millions of naira.

Mr Umesi Emenike, South/South Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Port Harcourt that Itak Abasi, Iwokpom, Okoro Itak, and Ikot Inwang were affected.

Emenike, who led a search-and-rescue team to the area, said the disaster in the fishing communities was immense, adding that the sources of livelihood of the people had been destroyed.

"Some of their fishing boats and fishing nets were swept away. Others were also destroyed and some were buried in the ground.

``The only source of clean water, a mono pump, was swept away and the local water pond contaminated by the sea water,'' he said.

Emenike also disclosed that public institutions such as primary schools and health centres were destroyed.

The NEMA official said there were fears of more riverside communities close to the Atlantic Ocean experiencing the same surge if measures were not taken

"What took place in Ibeno is one of the consequences of climate change and more communities living close to the Atlantic Ocean are likely to face the same situation if urgent actions are not taken,'' he said.

He called for the execution of shore protection and land reclamation projects in vulnerable communities through the allocation of special funds.

Emenike advised residents of coastal communities to imbibe the culture of tree planting, adding that they should also take advantage of other proactive measures to protect their environment.
Source: Punch, 20^th August 2010.

Council Chairman Kidnapped In Akwa Ibom

Written by Bernard Tolani Dada Uyo

The chairman of Onna local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Owoidighe Ekpoattai, has been reportedly kidnapped by some unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

Mrs Ekpottai was said to have been abducted Thursday evening by some fierce looking gunmen who waylaid her shortly after a meeting in the local council.

An eyewitness told LEADERSHIP WEEKEND that the council boss was trailed to Ikot Okuburn village in Okon clan, Eket, a neighbouring local government area at 5:45pm before the gunmen launched an attack on her convoy.

Sources told our correspondent that Ekpoattai's abductors blocked her convoy and fired several gunshots into the air to scare away passersby.
Source: Leadership, 20^th August 2010.

Police lose officer in battle with kidnappers
• Arrest three suspects

FROM INEM AKPAN-NSOH, UYO

THE Police Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Walter Rugbere, has said his command lost one of its men during gun-fire battle with suspected kidnappers yesterday morning.

Speaking with journalists at the Command's Headquarters at Ikot Akpan Abia in Uyo, he said the incident occurred in Essien Udim Council at about 1.30 a.m.

According to him, three of the kidnappers were arrested and the victim was rescued.

Rugbere, who said that in recent times his command has been in total war against kidnappers in the state, noted that within the last one week, he has lost about two of his men to hoodlums.

The police commissioner, who expressed dismay following insinuations making the rounds that the command conspired with some suspects for their escape in recent cell break, said those peddling such rumours were doing so because they did not know what he passes through each day in making the state habitable.

"I take exception from such insinuations (when a journalist asked him such question), do you know how dangerous these kidnappers are, so after spending sleepless hours in chasing and arresting some of them, I will then connive to let them go?", he queried.

Rugbere explained that contrary to some newspaper reports, those that broke the cell were not kidnappers but were among the over 35 inmates held for sundry offences at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Cell at the Police Headquarters.

He said he would not rush any kidnapper to court, especially when the victims have blatantly refused to come to tribunal to testify as witnesses.

The commissioner thanked Akwa Ibom State government, which he said, had always come to the aid of the families of his men killed during exchange of fire.

He assured Akwa Ibom people of his command's commitment to ensuring that the state is safe for all, pleading that the command cannot do it alone and people should always be ready to volunteer information.

It may be recalled that on Friday night, some suspects from one of the cells at the Police headquarters, used nail to poke through the toilet walls and disappeared into the nearby bush.

This development has led to peddling of the rumours, which the commissioner said were not true, claiming that those who escaped were not kidnappers but those who committed minor criminal offences and were about to be taken to court.

According him, of the 20 inmates that escaped, four have been rearrested while effort is being intensified to arrest the rest of them.
Source: The Guardian, 18^th August 2010.

25 kidnappers, robbers escape from
A'Ibom police cell

By Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

THERE was pandemonium at the Akwa Ibom State Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpan, Abia, in Uyo, on Sunday as 25 suspected kidnappers escaped from the central cell of the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Suspected criminals broke the wall of the cell, disarmed the policemen on guard and took to their heels through the toilet.

Our correspondent gathered that the whereabouts of the fleeing kidnappers was still unknown as at Sunday night, even as the police said they had launched a manhunt for them.

When our correspondent visited the police headquarters, some of the policemen were heard lamenting the possible fate of their colleagues who were on duty when the incident occurred.

According to a policeman who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, the development had thrown the entire police hierarchy into confusion.

"As it is now, the officers on duty would have to face police disciplinary committee for allowing a group of notorious kidnappers to escape from the cell, after their arrest by the police.

"It is even unheard of; how can a group of armed robbers and kidnappers break the wall of the cell at the CID and we have officers on duty not noticing them before they flee through the toilet?" the policeman lamented.

Also, some policemen were seen on the major streets of Uyo conducting stop and search operation, on in an attempt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr. Walter Rugbere, confirmed the escape of the suspects but said that only 20 of them left through one of the toilets at the cell of the CID.

Rugbere said that the command had arrested four out of the 20 criminals that escaped, saying efforts were being made to apprehend the others.
Source: Punch, 16^th August 2010.

Akpabio Tasks States On Child Rights Act

FROM INEM AKPAN-NSOH, UYO

STATES in the federation that are yet to enact the Child Rights Act have been asked to do so to guarantee the future of children in the country.

The call was made by the Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, during a courtesy visit to Government House by a delegation of the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), led by the Country Representative, Dr. Soumi Sakai.

Represented by his deputy, Patrick Ekpotu, Governor Akpabio said his administration took the lead in signing into law, the Child Rights Act in 2008 because of the high value it places on children as future leaders.

Akpabio listed free education and free medical care as some of the fundamental policies put in place by his government to prepare children for future life challenges. He praised UNICEF and other United Nations agencies for their various life- touching programmes in Nigeria.

He expressed happiness over UNICEF's decision to choose Akwa Ibom for its retreat, noting that the change going on in the state provides an appropriate ambience for participants to discuss the theme: 'Managing Change'.

He urged the organization to consider the establishment of a unit office in Akwa Ibom in order to enhance the working relationship between it and the state government.

Speaking earlier, the UNICEF Country Representative, Dr. Sakai said her organization was in the state to hold a four-day retreat for UNICEF employees, saying they were overwhelmed by the fast pace of development in the state.
Source: The Guardian, 7^th August 2010.

Akpabio Tasks States On Child Rights Act

FROM INEM AKPAN-NSOH, UY

STATES in the federation that are yet to enact the Child Rights Act have been asked to do so to guarantee the future of children in the country.

He urged the organization to consider the establishment of a unit office in Akwa Ibom in order to enhance the working relationship between it and the state government.

Presbyterian Lauds A-Ibom for Reviving Ailing Industries

THE Akwa Ibom Synod of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has commended the decision of Akwa Ibom State government to resuscitate shut and ailing state-owned industrial enterprises. It called on the government to expedite action in this direction.

In a statement issued at the end of its 12th annual synod meeting held in Mbiatok Itam in Itu Local Government Area of the state, the synod emphasised the importance of industries as a means of socio-economic development as well as employment for the teeming youth population.

A communique, signed by the synod moderator, Rev. Idorenyen Jacob Ekpe and synod clerk, Rev. Elijah Okon Inwang, also commended the free education policy of the state government and noted with delight the various capital projects being executed by it.

The church condemned the spate of violence and political acrimony in the state. It frowned at the seeming abandonment by politicians of politics of issues and the resort to politics with bitterness.

The communique noted the efforts of the Federal Government at putting in place the machinery for good governance as well as for free and fair elections through the constitution and electoral act amendment and the nomination of persons of impeccable integrity to man the affairs of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Source: Vanguard, 24^th July 2010.

AKWA-IBOM: Citizens Demand Weak Centre, Resource Control And Part-time Legislature

FROM INEM AKPAN-NSOH, UYO

THE immediate past chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ekanem Ekanem has described the constitutional amendment as a waste of time by both national and state legislators.

Speaking with The Guardian in Uyo, he said the Constitution does not need amendment. "I had always held the position that there was nothing wrong with the Constitution, our only problem had been implementation."

According to him, the leadership of the country never had the political will to obey the Constitution, as only bad workers would always quarrel with the implements.

Ekanem said all the calls to amend the Constitution are motivated by selfish interests, noting that, the leadership of the country had never been straight forward without hidden agenda.

On calls for fiscal federalism, he said, "Fiscal federalism is empowering the states more, even if we do that, our problem is not over; it may not bring the needed development as our governors would increase their foreign trips to spend that money or stack them in banks of countries abroad

He said the solution is to make political office less attractive and such would make people with genuine interest want to serve. Political offices should be on part time basis, at all levels where legislature would be paid their allowances based on the number of days of sitting, accommodation provided based on how many days they would stay for legislative matters.

This he said would allow the people; go back to their original businesses, "so that if you were a lawyer, farmer, mechanic, trader or teacher, you will go back to your business until the next engagement."

Ekanem said he was happy to read that some state Houses of Assemblies have not accepted the harmonized constitution hook-line-and-sinker.

"It gladdened my heart as some states have not rubber-stamped the harmonized constitution, it is a good omen for the country," he said.

South-South coordinator, Citizen's Forum for Constitutional Reform, Anselem Eyo described the process as fire brigade in nature.

According to him, the process should not be hurried but slowed down for effective participation of all Nigerians, noting that such would make it people and issues-centered.

He noted that since independence, the country is yet to have a people- oriented constitution, but only a privileged few foist constitutions on the majority.

"The final product is far from the people because they have not contributed to it including the 1999 Constitution, which late Rotimi Williams described as a document that tell lies against itself."

Eyo advised that the ongoing process should have a special provision for the Niger Delta problem so that it could be solved once and for all.

He further said the proposed constitution should take the issue of fiscal federalism as paramount, adding that such federalism should be well defined, by ensuring that the Land Use Act is abrogated and the centre is made less attractive.

During the public sitting the state Chief judge, Justice Idongesit Ntemisua queried the workability of the Constitution, when the provision for financial autonomy for the judiciary and the legislature had remained unimplemented.

She further observed that such non-implementation had made state Assemblies mere rubber stamp.

The state Assembly in its final resolution rejected clauses 65, 68, 81,109, 131,178,177b, 182,228 and251 of the proposed alteration in the harmonized amendment.

Source: The Guardian, 11^th July 2010.

Akpabio seeks spiritual retreat for politicians

Our Reporter.

Religious organisations in Akwa Ibom have been called upon to regularly organise spiritual retreat for political leaders in the state.

Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio made the call last Sunday at Power City International, Uyo said the retreat would help the leaders draw closer to God and imbibe the spirit of forgiveness.

Akpabio said the retreat would help to reduce frivolous petitions against government, blackmail, hired assassinations and kidnapping borne out of hatred and un-forgiveness, adding that Akwa Ibom people must embrace positive actions in their daily dealings.

"Daily people are bound to offend others or be offended by some particularly in the way one talks, walks or takes certain actions. The retreat will help in the transformation of minds and re-orientation of ill-minds from negative things '', the Governor noted.

He acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of Power City International in siting the church at a strategic location in Uyo, noting that it had given a positive image to the state.

The governor advised residents and potential investors not to bother about few incidents of kidnapping in the state, stating that with intense prayers, it would come to an end.

Dr. Abel Damina reading from Psalms 10:10-14 and "Being a blessing to a local Church," said enemies rise and fall only for a season, urged Christian faithful to maintain respect of individuals.

Damina asked Christians to remain consistent in contributing to overall advancement in daily endeavour by overcoming offences which were bound to occur naturally irrespective of anybody's position in the society. The man of God declared that Akwa Ibom would continue to move positively and for the leaders to complete in on-going projects across the state.

Highlight of the worship session was the prayer of wisdom and divine protection for the governor.
Source: Daily Champion, 29^th June 2010.

Kidnapping: Police rescue cleric, two-year-old baby

By Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

THE Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Tuesday announced that its men have rescued a cleric proprietor of Immanuel Gospel Church Academy, Rev. Alone Edward, and a two-year-old baby from the hands of their abductors.

Also, the command said another six-month-old baby (name withheld), stolen from his parents by men suspected to be kidnappers at Ikot Oku Ubara Village, Abak Local Government Area of the state was rescued by his men, while two suspected kidnappers were arrested.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Walter Rugbere, told journalists that Edward was abducted by a five-man gang suspected to be kidnappers along Mbak Nsit, in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of the state.

According to Rugbere, the cleric was abducted within the premises of his school by gunmen who shot indiscriminately into the air to scare both the teachers and students before whisking away their victim in his Mercedez Benz car.

He said that a tip-off by a concerned citizen of the state made the rescue efforts by his men to free Edward possible.

"Immediately we received the information, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping squad swung into action and rescued the victim from his abductors, and the car recovered," he said.

The two-year-old baby, he said, was kidnapped by one Utibe Akang and Sunday Atim.

Rugbere explained that the suspects were apprehended while trying to make away with the baby in Asanting Ikot Efredie Village, in Ikono Local Government Area.

The police boss identified kidnapping as the major crime in the South-South region as kidnapping, noting that the police was doing everything within its power to minimise it in the state.

Rugbere said, "I can assure you that the fight against kidnapping is total. When I came here, I told you I will make this state safe for all and we are working towards that.

"I'm not promising you that I'm going to wipe out kidnapping and armed robbery in the state. We can only reduce it to the minimum."
Source: Punch, 28^th April 2010.

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