(Sponsored- Photo News) A’Ibom Gov’ship: Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel of PDP, flanked by AKS PDP chairman, Paul Ekpo, at the Court of Appeal premises, during the hearing and adoption of briefs on the petition concerning his election, brought before the court by the APC candidate, Umana Umana. The court has reserved judgement on a date in future.

The Paramount Ruler of Itu, Edidem Edet Akpan Inyang, has dismissed as false and misleading reports in the media which quotes him as declaring 100% support to the political ambition of Governor Udom Emmanuel, during the sensitisation visit of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Victor Antai, to Itu, today.

The Itu monarch who spoke extensively to Radar Newspaper on the commissioner’s visit, noted that the letter of invitation to the event addressed to him, stated clearly that the agenda of the visit were for: “interaction, synergy, and briefing on mechanised agriculture, security and industrialisation policy of government.” He stressed that politics was never a part of the meeting as such, he could never had gone outside the agenda of the meeting to declare political support as falsely reported in the social media.

He said that the commissioner requested a parcel of land from the people of Itu for use by government for agriculture, which, according to him, he informed the commissioner that the people of Itu were ready to provide land for government to site any industry. He added that Itu people donated 260,000 hectares of land to the non-functional Cross River Basin Authority, and called on government to see to the functionality of the Corporation, even though, it is a federal agency.

He said that he used the opportunity to call on the Udom Emmanuel-led government to provide jobs to unemployed youths of the state.

Edidem Akpan said he never made any political statement, because, according to him, Royal Fathers are not supposed to play, adding that the clarification of what he said during the Local Government Commissioner’s visit to Itu TRC, today, has become necessary in view of the numerous telephone calls he had received on account of the misleading online publications.

He advised politicians in the state not to drag the traditional institution into politics for whatever purpose.

The Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Joshua Okpo, is dead.Mr. Okpo died Tuesday in Abuja, where he had travelled to for an official business of the academy.

A source at the academy told PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Okpo was expected to be at the National Assembly on Tuesday morning to discuss the academy’s budget with lawmakers.

The source said when staff of the academy waited at the National Assembly complex for the rector and did not see or hear from him for several hours, they drove to his residence in Abuja, where they found him dead in his room.

The cause of death was not yet known. Mr. Okpo’s body was said to have been deposited in the mortuary at the National Hospital, Abuja.

On the eve of July 22, 2015, Akwa Ibom State and indeed the Nigerian Nation suffered a calamituous human deficit, a loss of grievous consequence and a deficiency of an extraordinary human capital. It was the reported death of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Chief Donald Dick Etiebet, a one time governor of old Cross River State and the Akpan Annang of Annang Land. Senator (Dr.) Etiebet died peacefully that fateful evening, giving rumour mongers a brief interlude to ply their trade on the question of the identity of who was actually deceased between him and the brother, Atuekong Don Etiebet. Both of them bear almost similar names – Donald and Donatus which give rise to confusion.

Senator (Dr.) Donald Etiebet was in every respect an iconic leader. Born in 1930 to wealthy produce buyer parents, Chief Udo Etiebet (JP) and Madam Adiaha Ufokesa Udo Etiebet, both deceased, he developed an egalitarian culture that consistently nurtured his relationship with the ordinary folks. This attribute was to reflect substantially in his life and dealings with people.

Senator (Dr.) Elder Donald Dick Etiebet knew that productive life is inextricably tied to service. And that for one to be adjudged competent to serve, the individual must evolve meaningfully. As a process of the evolution therefore, young Etiebet started his primary school at Ibesit Central School in the present Oruk Anam Local Government Area where he tarried from 1942 – 1948. In 1949, he went to Saint Augustine Teacher’s Training College, Urua – Inyang in Ika Local Government Area. It was while in Holy Family College, Oku – Abak, Abak between 1950 – 1952 that he was baptized and given the name Donald. Young Donald Etiebet also had a stint with Ibibio State College, the melting point of social cohesion of the inhabitants of the present day Akwa Ibom State.

Chief as he was fondly called was to cap his self-preparation for service with the studying of Law in the University of Lagos from 1966 – 1970. He attended the Nigerian Law School in Victoria Island to obtain the requisite qualification for a career that did not only span decades but made humanity the centre piece of its endeavour.

He returned from Lagos where he would have set up a thriving practice, to Abak where he provided legal services to his people. He made himself accessible and accepted their briefs even when they could ill afford the legal fees. He defended the weak and protected the poor. He changed public perception of lawyers as aristocrats to a simple, humble man that listened to the plight of the common man with minimal consideration for money. Donald Etiebet became the people’s lawyer attending to everyone with legal entanglements.

The people saw Chief (Barrister) Donald Etiebet as their entitlement. Reward for his passionate service to the people and community started coming in 1977 – 1978 when he was made a member of the Constituent Assembly. It was that gathering that birthed the Second Republic which National Party of Nigeria was the ruling party. Chief (Barrister) Donald Etiebet was a member of that party. He contested election on its platform in 1979 as a Senatorial candidate and won clean and square. In 1983, Senator (Dr.) Chief Donald Etiebet dared what looked like impossibility. Coming from the minority of the minorities, Annang in the expansive old Cross River State that embodied the present day Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, he took up the gauntlet to contest for the exalted office of the governor of Cross River State.

Many regarded his vying as a misadventure. Chief Etiebet, rich in goodwill and altruism, trudged on and won that election to the consternation of cynics. He was in office for three months before the military struck and ousted that administration of promise. Suffice to say that despite the sweeping arrest of politicians at that period on allegations of corruption by the military junta, Senator Etiebet was one of the only two governors that were granted reprieve to go home having not been found to be complicit in any act of corruption. He quietly returned to his legal practice.

Chief (Dr.) Senator Donald Etiebet, OFR, was a success story in politics. But the Distinguished Senator was also a remarkable moralist of the deepest dye. He led a life that was Spartan, exemplary and unmatched in contentment. He was humble, self-effacing, accommodating and sensitive. He loved people and was always effusive in efforts to give them a sense of belonging. Late Chief (Dr.) Senator Donald Etiebet was a rare human specimen.

The five man court of appeal panel sitting in Abuja, Friday, December 11, 2015, upheld the judgement of the Akwa Ibom state National Assembly Tribunal, which affirmed the former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Chief Godswill Akpabio of PDP as the duly elected Senator for Ikot Ekpene senatorial district.

The APC senatorial candidate for the area in the March 28, 2015, election, Chief Inibehe Okori, has challenged INEC’s declaration of Akpabio as the winner of the poll.

Okori among other things, faulted INEC’s decision, saying that Akpabio was not a candidate for Ikot Ekpene senatorial district as his nomination form and other documents before INEC showed he contested in Uyo senatorial district.

Okori also raised the issue of over-voting and other alleged irregularities during the March 28 poll. But the Tribunal and Court of Appeal Tribunal have affirmed and reaffirmed Akpabio’s victory at the poll.

The Court of Appeal tribunal is the final court of litigation in the National Assembly election petition matters.

The court of appeal five member panel, sitting in Abuja, today, upheld the decision of the Akwa Ibom National Assembly tribunal which earlier affirmed the declaration of Mr Bassey Albert Akpan of PDP as the winner of the March 28, 2015, Uyo senatorial district election by INEC.

The APC candidate for the poll, Mr Emman Obot, challenged INEC’s decision to declare Bassey Albert as winner. But the tribunal had while upholding Akpan’s victory, nullified election in some polling units and ordered for a re-run in those areas.

The Court of Appeal which is the final court of litigation in National Assembly Election Petitions has reaffirmed the judgement of the Tribunal.

Dr. Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Rivers State has hailed the verdict of the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja which sacked National Assembly members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The APC chieftain, who spoke shortly after the announcement, described the judgement as victory, not only for the people of Rivers State but also for those who voted at the March and April elections. According to Peterside, truth, which is essential in the quest for justice has prevailed.

He contended that the actions of the Justices of the Appeal Court are demonstrative of a new Nigeria where a few will no longer stifle the voices and collective decision of the majority.

He also wondered why Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is still living in self-denial “even as their actions during the elections are well known across Nigeria and beyond”.

“I know that everybody in Rivers State, including our opponents in the last general elections expected these sweeping judgements because we were all witnesses to the widespread violence and irregularities that marred the various elections.

“As a party and law abiding citizens, we are happy that at last, light has overshadowed darkness, and this in itself is encouraging. Although the journey has been winding and most painful but we have remained steadfast knowing full well that at all times, truth will always take the limelight over lies and evil, no matter how hard human beings try. Therefore these landmark judgements are vindicating and heartening.

“For our opponents, I wish to counsel them to quickly come to terms with the new reality which intensely abhors electoral violence and fraud. No society can make progress in an atmosphere of brute force, violence, ignorance, intolerance, intimidation and all the vices our rivals employed and exhibited before and during the elections. As a people, we must strive to remain civil and accommodating of other views no matter our position for that is the only way to support the growth and sustenance of democracy and liberty.

“Therefore, as we prepare for the impending but crucial re-run elections across our dear state, I call on our people to remember that Rivers, like other states in Nigeria, deserves the very best of representation. We cannot afford to support candidates who are evidently lacking in capacity and in all the necessary tools needed in modern day governance,” he said.

In line with his avowed commitment to transform all sections of the state in a most transform, effective and honest way to make life pleasurable to its citizens, Governor Udom Emmanuel has paid compensations to property owners affected by the alignment on the going construction of Ikot usop-ikot Ekpuk- Ikot Edehe road project in Mkpat Enin,Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas.

The governor also said that rural development is one of the cardinal agenda of the present administration.

Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for works ,Mr. Ephraim Inyang-eyen ,the state chief executive while presenting cheques to the affected property owners at Ikot Usop health center, explained that the state government involvement in the compensation exercise is to ensure that all payments are made to the affected property owners and in order to avoid false claims.

He said, to ensure transparency and effectiveness in process of compensation in the state, the state Government engage the services of private Estate valuer in all affected structures while government carry out the exercises itself.

Udom, who also commended the peaceful disposition, cooperation and support of Mkpat Enin people in the ongoing construction projects in the area,charged them to use the resources judiciously and also relocate to a comfortable site to enable the contractors carry-on the projects as government is committed to making life meaningful to rural duelers.

He enjoined them to continue to give government the necessary cooperation in its stride to connect all sections of the state to national grid.

Over two hundred indigenes of Ikot usop smiled to their banks with cheques and physical cash at the occasion.

In an interview with journalists at the occasion, the village Head of Ikot Usop,Eteidung Iko Essien Uko, on behalf of the community commended the governor for remembering Mkpat Enin people in his development agenda.

Eteidung Uko pleaded with government to ensure that those whose names were omitted during data collection are accommodated to give them sense of belonging.

By Essien INYANG, Uyo.

Saturday, December 5, 2015, was a day full of inspiration and honour as the famous Destiny International Mission, Uyo, had its first church Bishop consecrated. Ordained also were Pastors and Deacons. Even as the Archibishop vowed not to stay out of politics in the state. Speaking with newsmen in his office, the General Overseer of the church, Arch-Bishop Cletus Bassey, explained the reason to consecrate a new Bishop, saying that; “having been an Arch-Bishop for some time, certain things needed to be put in place. Because mine was only ecclesiastical in nature as the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) that was why we had to install a new bishop during our last convention which ended on Sunday”.

He said that the last convention which had as its theme; “Fulfilling Prophecy” attracted people locally and internationally and was one of the very best given to outpouring of God’s spirit and testimonies, saying that these and many more means that God is good to them.

Hear him; “God has been good to us as he expands us daily, that is why in the last programme, we had, all these number of people that came. We are trusting God that the year ahead of us is going to be an interesting year.”

Speaking on the impact of the church on the less-privileged in the society, the clergy noted that the church, among other things has been in the business of caring for the needy.

In his words; “We feed people in this church every Sunday as they come in. My intention is not only for Sundays, there is what I call the House of Hope. The House of Hope is being put together to enable people who are poor and hopeless that can, at least, come in here everyday and have a meal.

“Part of that also is an area where one can pick shoes, clothes and even food stuff will be opened. We also give scholarships to many within and outside Nigeria and provide free medical services, under Willing and Caring Heart Foundation, my family’s foundation. There are people in this church we pay house rent and school fees for. During our convention at Ikono/Ini, we gave out 10 motorcycles; 10 sewing machines, cassava grinding machine with generator attached to it; we gave scholarships to 10 people who are from that area and treated over four thousand people.

“We don’t always go out making announcement of what we do. When it comes to affecting our people positively, we are not left behind,” Bassey said.

According to the clergy, the aim of these; “is to get the people to understand the importance of assisting people”. On his involvement in politics, the Arch-Bishop opined that politics should never be counted as less-importance in the church circle, because it is by it that governance comes to be. “We do not play partisan politics in church. Rather you remain neutral, anybody who comes, you pray for that person, advise and then assist as much as possible if you have convictions. I believe that people who want to go into politics, especially the lawmakers, should be educated and exposed.

“I’m not backing out of politics. But I’m looking at how I can play a more fatherly role and let the people decide who they want to govern them, because I would like to see that I do not become an instrument of division. I like to see the unity of the people,” Cletus Bassey asserted.

By Ememobong OKON

Nduka Obiegbena (Publisher Of This Day Newspaper) Responds To EFCC Over The Dasuki Arms Scandal, saying he received N650m from former NSA, Ibrahim Dasuki as compensation for Boko Haram bombing of his ThisDay’s Offices.

Meanwhile the following media houses were given N10 Million each for publicity from the office of NSA through Nduka Obiegbena who is the president of Nigerian Publishers Association.

1) This Day Newspaper

2) Vanguard Newspaper

3) The Nation Newspaper

4) Daily Trust Newspaper

5) Leadership

6)People Daily

7) Sun Newspaper

8) Telegraph Newspaper

9) Tribune

10) Guardian

11) Daily Independent

12) Business Day

Dasuki wrote to Obaigbena an email: “I will send the balance for the 2 additional newspapers. We can celebrate after the elections.”

Source: Sahara Reporters

………………………………………. Obaigbena: I received N850 million from Dasuki as compensation for Boko Haram bombing of ThisDay’s Offices

Nduka Obiagbena, Chairman and Publisher of Thisday Newspapers Group on Friday admitted that he collected N550 million from the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA as compensation for the Abuja and Kaduna offices of the media group bombed by the insurgent group Boko Haram and another N300 million for Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN as a compensation for their publications seized by the military in 2013.

Obiagbena who has been invited by Nigeria’s anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over the ongoing investigations into the mismanagement of the sum of $2.2 billion budgeted for procurement of weapons for the armed forces when Sambo Dasuki was the NSA said this in a statement he released on Friday as published on the website of his newspaper.

While denying that he received any form of suspicious funds from the office of the NSA, Obiagbena in a response to the to a letter of invitation from the EFCC dated 8th November 2015, stated that all funds received from the office of the NSA “are payments for compensation to mitigate the dastardly Boko Haram twin bombings of the Thisday Newspapers offices in Abuja and Kaduna on Thursday April 26, 2012.”

Obiagbena said four lives were lost in addition to the buildings full colour Goss printing towers, three (3) pre-press Computer-to-Plate and anxiliary equipment and other property it valued at over N2.5 billion during the attack.

In the December 9, 2015 letter, Obiagbena said his company received the sum of N150,000,000 each twice and N250,000,000 respectively in August, November and February 2014 as compensation for the Boko Haram attack from the office of the NSA.

He stated further in the letter that he received N100,000,000 and N20,000,000 in March 2015 for Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and 12 newspapers “who demanded compensation for the brutal and unlawful seizure of newspapers and stoppage of circulation by armed soldiers in Abuja and several cities. As President of the NPAN, it was my duty to lead media leaders to hold discussions with President Goodluck Jonathan to avert a class action lawsuit against the Armed Forces and the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

“On both occasions, President Jonathan said he did not wish to lay precedence and in our case, he specifically said there were many victims of Boko Haram. I had to confront President Jonathan on the issue when I learnt of approvals for the reconstruction of the Abuja United Nations Building, since we were the second major organisation to be attacked by Boko Haram after the UN attack. He therefore directed me to meet the National Security Adviser who processed the 3 payments in question.

“Please find attached a copy of our letter to President Jonathan as well as correspondence with the then NSA on the Newspapers’ payment. I will be on my way to Nigeria to meet with you should you require further information,” the letter stated.

Today the three man Court of Appeal Tribunal sitting in Abuja has reaffirmed the election of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio as the winner of the March 28, 2015, National Assembly election for Ikot Ekpene senatorial district.

I salute the Nigerian Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on his victory at the Court of Appeal.

I want him to see the litigation initiated by his major opponent, Chief Inibehe Okori of the APC, as part of the democratic experiments that will further enhance the electoral processes in the country.

I believe and hold the opinion that there should be an end to litigation. The final court in the national assembly election petitions, has put an end in the about six months legal battle between Okori and Akpabio.

For me, Akpabio and Okori are both winners in the contest. Yes! Both of them won because, they fought each other gallantly and intellectually, and none, lost his life in the process.

I congratulate all Akwa Ibom people on this victorious outing, and I pray God will use the outcome to reunite supporters of both camps and the entire Akwa Ibom politicians.

Congratulations to Nigerian Judiciary! Congratulations to all Democrats in Akwa Ibom!! Congratulations to Sen. Godswill Akpabio!!!

**yak iba ke emem o!

Chief Franklyn Isong
(Public Affairs Commentator and Socio Critic)

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has ordered a rerun of Rivers East Senatorial election.

It was the unanimous judgement delivered by a panel of three justices.

The case was filed by Senator Magnus Abe of APC against against PDP’s Senator Olaka Wogu who was declared the winner of the election into the Senatorial district by INEC.

The court has also nullified the election of Senator Osinaka Ideuzo of PDP. In the unanimous judgement delivered by Justice Abdullahi, the court ordered a rerun of the election in 90 days.

Yesterday, the same court nullified the election of Senator George Sekibo, meaning that the PDP has senators have been sacked in the state.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has nullied the election of the Siren-loving Speaker of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Hon Aniekan Uko, today.

Mr Uko who until today was representing Ibesikpo Asutan state constituency in the 26-member Assembly of House. The APC candidate in the April 11, State Assembly election had challenged his declaration as winner of the poll by INEC. He asked the court to nullify the election and order for a rerun and his prayers were granted as the court ordered INEC to conduct a rerun to fill the vacancy created by the judgment within 90 days.

Details later…

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has today upheld the election of the member representing Ibiono Ibom state constituency in Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Hon. Ime Okon.

The court of appeal upturned the judgement of the tribunal which had earlier nullified the election of Ime Okon, calling for a rerun within 90 days.

The election of Mr Okon was challenged by the APC candidate.

Details later.

The information just reaching RADAR newspapers indicate that ex-militants in the Niger Delta region who have been granted amnesty by the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’dua have blocked the main entrance to Akwa Ibom government house, protesting what they called “hunger in the land in the midst of plenty”.

Our reporters on ground said that the former fighters are demanding to meet with state governor before they could vacate the barricades.

Efforts to appease them seem not to be yielding any fruit. Efforts by Radar newspaper to speak to government officials on the development have proved abortive.

Details later…

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja today nullified elections in the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom state, on grounds of substantial non-compliance with the electoral acts. The five man court of appeal panel ordered INEC to conduct a rerun election in the state within 90 days effect from today.

The APC governorship candidate, Umana Okon Umana, had challenged INEC declaration of Udom Emmanuel of PDP as winner of the April 11 election in the state. The first court of instance, a three man Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja had earlier nullified elections in 18 out of the 31 LGAs of the state.

Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP have indicated intention to appeal the judgement to tbe Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, APC supporters have taken over major streets and roads of Uyo metropolis jubilating the appeal court judgement.

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has today elected Barr Onofiok Akpan Luke as the new Speaker to preside over the legislative business of the house following the sacking of the former Speaker, Aniekan Uko, by the three man election petition Appeal Court panel, last week.

Details later…

The Management and Staff of RADAR newspapers wish to congratulate Mr Kufre Okon on his deserved appointment as the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Onofiok Luke.

Mr Okon is a thoroughbred journalist. Until his appointment, he was the Managing Editor of Newsdor Newspaper and Financial Secretary of INSIGHT NEWSPAPERS’ CHAPEL OF THE NUJ, Akwa Ibom state council.

We celebrate your elevation and pray God to guide and guard you through the herculean schedules of your new assignment.

Congratulations!

Signed

Chief Franklyn Isong
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Radar newspaper & Treasurer of INSIGHT NEWSPAPERS CHAPEL

On Saturday, December 19, 2015, Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol Night held in Uyo Township Stadium. This event is one of the projects bequeathed to the Udom Emmanuel’s administration by his predecessor in office, Godswill Akpabio.

For the benefit of the doubts, I am a christian, born into a Christian family, and I belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, I have nothing absolutely against anyone or group of people worshipping our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in any way or manner, provided such act does not infringe upon the rights of others in the society and is in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is the very foundation of the Nigerian State.

I elect to make this write-up today, about four days, after the Christmas Carol Night. One of such events the Udom Emmanuel-led government is grudgingly obliging his predecessor, at the detriment of the state, even in the face of scarce resources, abject poverty, penury and outright starvation of Akwa Ibom people.

Starvation o!!! Is everywhere in Akwa Ibom state. I am crying out louder, because my heart bleeds this yuletide season, when I remember our state public servants who are being owed several months of unpaid salaries and other entitlements; the state pensioners who are dying daily due to unpaid gratuities and pensions; I feel for the over 300 employees of the state owned University (AKSU) at Ikot Akpaden who are being owed over 24 months of their salaries and entitlements by government; I am weeping uncontrollably for the over 1,000 state civil servants yet to be paid their backlog of salaries and entitlements; I am also referring to the former PAs, SAs and SSAs who served in Akpabio’s government and are yet to receive their entitlements over six months into the new government. OMG! My friends, the former elected local government council officials across the 31 LGAs of the state, who are appearing in my dreams pleading with me to speak for them, so that the state government can settle their entitlements since the end of their tenure.

Recall that in my earlier discourse on this subject, which I titled; “AKPABIO BREACHES GOV UDOM EMMANUEL’S PROTOCOL @CHRISTMAS CAROL… THOUGH, I AM AGAINST THE EVENT,” made at about 22:24 hours on Saturday, December 19, 2015, whilst the event was ongoing. Recall again, that I observed with dismay the showmanship exhibited by Senator Godswill Akpabio, Governor Udom’s predecessor, at the event. I won’t be tempted to go there again. Please do good to search my timeline for the piece, if you missed it. That showmanship seems to me, the very essence of the Carol Night, nothing more! I dare say that Akpabio’s entrance into the arena was the CLIMAX of the event.

I saw a lot of funny comments trending from the post, especially from those close to the corridor of Udom Emmanuel’s government. I saw tales like; “the carol is sponsored by Zenith bank, UBA, and Globacom”; “what is wrong in worshipping God?”; “Franklyn Isong hates everything in Udom’s government;” “Franklyn Isong is opposition;” etc. And, the more, I read these amusing comments, the more, I unwind the work stress of the day. Lolz.

I think the time has come for Akwa Ibom peanut sycophants to know that beyond government servicing them with garri and soup, Akwa Ibom populace are completely disgruntled about the way their government is not showing accountability and transparency in the handling of their taxpayers money. And, I am inclined to always put government to a check, no matter whatever names and abuses I get in return. After all, from the day I told my dad of blessed memory: “I want to be a journalist,” I knew, I will be an orphan of the society.

So, how the Government of Akwa Ibom state nay Nigeria is run by our leaders become my first line charge. A day cometh and soon too, when the people shall rise up in the spirit of Dakkada and hold their government and its officials accountable to the people, for their actions and inactions.

Before, I put my seal on this discourse and start receiving the usual venom from government paid agents, I am asking on behalf of my “illiterate” goodself, and all “illiterate” critics of government: