UbokUtom UmoEno

Many years ago, our forefathers dreamed. These dreams of a local government characterized by vision and people bound in unity was important for the growth of this state.

These men had understanding in culture, they were ingenious in the creation of opportunities for themselves and resolute in their pursuit of their rights. And from history, their intention was noble, the force of life enabled them to live their dreams.

AKAN OKON PLEADS FOR ONE
MONTH ADJOURNMENT

In a move that surprised lawyers and journalists at the Federal High Court, Uyo today, Barr Uche Awa, SAN, the lead counsel for Akan Okon, the plaintiff in a case of alleged certificate forgery against Pastor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom PDP governorship candidate, opted for a one month adjournment of the case that has captured the attention of the entire Akwa Ibom people for months now.

The legal melodrama began soon after the court had thrashed the application by another governorship aspirant, Akan Etim, to be joined in the case.

In a judgement that Justice Agatha Okeke read for about one hour, the court dismissed the application by Etim as lacking merit, describing him as a “meddlesome interloper and busy body”.

Lawyers and journalists who had listened to the counsels of Eno, Okon and Etim argued the case in the previous court session were not surprised by the court judgement.

What came as a surprise however was the reluctance of the plaintiff’s (Akan Okon) lawyers to get the main case off the ground immediately.

The judge requested the lead counsels to pick a date for the main case. Barr. Usoro representing Pastor Eno spoke first and picked next week, August 5, 2022.

As Justice Okeke reached for her diary, Barr. Awa representing Akan Okon, mentioned a September date. Usoro politely disagreed. The judge requested two SANs, who clearly showed a lot of respect for each other, to sort it out between themselves. Barr.

Awa moved to where Barr. Usoro stood. The two literally put heads together and spoke in whispers for a minute or two, and shook their heads in apparent agreement. Barr.

Awa now gave a reason for a prolonged adjournment that he requested. He said the plaintiff (Akan Okon) required a medical attention outside the country.

Accordingly, the court agreed. The main case was then adjourned to take off in earnest on August 29, 2022.

PRESS RELEASE

AKWA IBOM APC ILLEGAL MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE'S COMIC CALL ON PASTOR UMO ENO TO WITHDRAW FROM THE GUBERNATORIAL RACE:

♦️ We have read with amusement, a puerile, ludicrous and indeed laughable press release by the so-called Media and Publicity Committee of the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling on Pastor Umo Eno, the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State (by the Grace of God), to withdraw from the gubernatorial race. It looked more like a work of comedy.

♦️ Ordinarily, we would not have bothered to respond to such comic press release by a Media and Publicity Committee that has recently been disowned and declared illegal by no other person than the APC State Publicity Secretary. It is on record.

♦️ Therefore, we are only reacting for the benefit of the general public, so that the credulous hoi polloi barbaroi are not swayed by the antics of these sons of belial and quidnuncs.

♦️ If anybody should apologize and withdraw from the public space, it should be the illegal APC Media and Publicity Committee. It should publicly apologize to the APC faithful and the people of Akwa Ibom State for continuing to impersonate the APC State Publicity Secretary, in defiance of his warning, by fraudulently claiming to speak for the APC. Impersonation, as we all know, is a criminal offence and we expect the APC State Publicity Secretary to follow up on his warning and take legal steps to arrest and bring these bunch of criminals to justice.

♦️ Since the committee is obviously a criminal body, it is not surprising that it has turned a blind eye to the forgery case established by the Police against the APC State Chairman and the illegal APC primaries not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which did not monitor such fraud. The illegal committee appears unconcerned about the fact that the APC in Akwa Ibom State has been effectively excluded from participation in the 2023 elections because of the party's illegalities and forgeries. The exclusion is obviously a cause for worry among genuine APC members, certainly not these impostors, who are deploying diversional antics to cushion the effects of the colossal crumbling ruins of a former main opposition party in the State. "For never was a story of more woe than this" of a political party.

♦️ That said, we want to emphatically state that the frontline Gubernatorial Candidate in the state, Pastor Umo Eno, has the requisite credentials to contest the election and has not forged any document. The allegation of forgery levelled against him is ridiculous and baseless. Mr. Akan Okon, a defeated PDP governorship aspirant, who made the allegation, has taken the matter to court and there is the legal dictum that "he who alleges must prove." We are waiting for him to prove his allegation in court.

♦️ It is unreasonable that, rather than wait for the court's verdict, Pastor Umo Eno's traducers, including the illegal APC Media and Publicity Committee, have resorted to social media trial in a futile bid to damage him. Clearly, they are afraid that the court would absolve him of the allegation.

♦️ Increasingly, it is apparent that Pastor Umo Eno, with a huge support base and unassailable lead, is the man to beat in the 2023 governorship election, hence the vicious propaganda against him by his desperate opponents.

♦️ We, therefore, urge all supporters and admirers of the Golden Boy to remain resolute in the face of this ferocious campaign of calumny.

♦️ This too shall pass away. And victory is certain.

Signed:
Prince Chris Abasieyo,
Spokesperson, MPM/Umo Eno for Governor Campaign Organisation.
26-07-2022

A Senator's Noiseful YPP And His Eerie Ambition

Otobong Sampson
July 25, 2022

He regards himself as the heir apparent to Government House throne; and lays claim to the diadem. A crown that isn't his inheritance. He says there was a pact in 2015 to handover the leadership of Akwa Ibom State to him in 2023. A claim countered with vehemence and roundly condemned by Akwa Ibom people. He has been asked to make public such document and signatories. Rather than present proofs, he's running around in circles and making warring proclamations. His infamous 'Who Born Dog' phrase mirroring a character who glamourises violence.

Last year, the senator in a risky gaffe, admitted publicly to being a 'cultist for Christ'. In His days on earth, Christ had disciples. When He was ascending to Heaven, his followers were commissioned as Apostles and instructed to make disciples of men. Not to become cultists for Him. It was the reason Christ rebuked Peter when he sliced off an ear and healed back the injured ear immediately.

Bassey Albert wants five million Akwa Ibom people to abide by a political agreement that was signed by less than ten men, allegedly, to make him succeed Governor Udom Emmanuel. Yet, he's kicking that a greater number of people converged to discuss the candidacy of another. His idea of power acquisition in a democracy is not by competence and capacity, but by entitlement.
Not even ArchDuke Franz Ferdinand felt so entitled to the Austrian-Hungary throne. Desperation must never drive ambition. Only fine ideals should.

Last week, Bassey Albert formally left the Peoples Democratic Party to YPP. Other than its colourful letters, there's nothing exciting about his new party. Only noise. It throws up a high school event of many years ago. An inter-school friendly soccer game. The visiting team looked resplendent in their colourful jersey. They were well kitted, too. Their players jogged with so much swagger and noise during the warm up minutes and everyone thought they would walloped us. By the first 45 minutes, our team were five unreplied goals ahead. That's the sort of babel that gives false confidence to OBA and his hither and thither followers.

In a letter announcing his resignation from PDP, Mr. Albert, scavenging for justification quoted Jean Anouilh that "The only immorality is not to do what one has to do when one has to do it".
He said nothing wrong there, yet he isn't right on his current situation. Vacating the seat after parting ways with the party that provided him the springboard to prominence and fortune would be honourable. He should walk the path of honour and resign. If he continues to sit in there to enjoy the epaulettes of the office, then his, is a case of selective perception on morality. He is yet to realize that he is in severe deficit of the credibility to pontificate.

In paragraph 2 of the same letter, he claimed he had served the party through the years without blemish. There, he lied. Albert is currently being prosecuted by the EFCC for alleged money laundering and being in possession of six vehicles worth #204 million, at the instance of one Olajide Omokore, whose companies allegedly executed contracts for the Akwa Ibom State Government when he was finance commissioner.

Genuine ambitions are not fueled by eerie obsession. They are driven by structural needs of the people and configurational patterns of society. An Albert governorship is an unsafe gamble for Akwa Ibom State. A risky political expedition. It will mark another chapter of our slide from peace to pieces. No society should suffer such misfortune. Already, he's become the object of decent people's indignation.

Gov Emmanuel Commends Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio For Seamless Transition
.. Felicitates 11th President, Akparawa James Edet

Governor Udom Emmanuel has applauded Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, a foremost socio-cultural organization in Ibibio land, over what he described as its seamless transition process.

The governor gave the commendation in his address at the inauguration of the 11th International President and Executive Council members of the body held in Uyo.

The governor who is himself a member of the body and was represented by the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Akparawa Pastor Umo Eno congratulated the 11th International President, Akparawa James Edet on his succeessful emergence and prayed that God will grant him the grace to deliver on his mandate.

VERBATIM AND EXTEMPORE

“The connect we need to make is to create a middle class and create entrepreneurs to ensure that our youths have jobs…I worry because, if in two years, we don’t give these youths what to do, they will overrun us, regardless of the army that we carry. These youths must be employed, skills must be developed, and the time to do that is now. These are the low- hanging fruits we must concentrate on…’’

Akwa Ibom, Arise and Shine!

- Umo Bassey Eno
AK PDP, Gubernatorial Standard Bearer.

Pastor Umo Eno Advocates Increase Participation of Christians in Politics
.. Commends Apostolic Youths for Political Consciousness, Support

Amidst growing concern over quality of leaders across Nigeria, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has advocated for more participation of Christians in politics to positively influence government policies for social good.

Pastor Eno made the advocacy at a Church-Hall meeting with the Apostolic Church Youth Movement which was part of activities for the ongoing 2nd Eket Field Youth Convention 2022 of the Apostolic Church Nigeria taking place at the field temple, Eket.

He noted that leaving politics for only men of the world was dangerous as the consequence, as observed in some parts of the country, could be very unpleasant.

Pastor Eno admitted that though before now, the Christian teachings was against participation in politics, the new consciousness has made it imperative for Christians to participate and dominate government circle to change the narrative.

He alluded to the intervention of Gamaliel in Acts 5:34 noting that such was the place of Christians in todsy's politics.

According to him, when Christians are in politics, they raise their voices in objection to bad policies and seek God's face before decisions are taken.

They will also take decisions based on integrity, equity and justice which will ensure the delivery of good governance.

Fielding questions from some youths during the interactive session, he maintained that Akwa Ibom State has been blessed with quality leaders who have all contributed their quota to the development of the state.

He noted that Governor Udom Emmanuel has opened the State through the three gateways of economic development; land, air, and sea which, according to him, must now be translated to affect the life of the common citizens in the remotest villages.

The governorship hopeful noted that the succeeding administration will have to build on the foundation which has been fully laid for economic transformation of the state.

Pastor Eno himself an offspring of the Apostolic Church, commended the Youth Movement and the Field superintendent for inviting him and their earlier endorsement of his aspiration respectively, saying the increasing political consciousness was a sign of better days for the church.

While advising every youth to be meaningfully engaged, he also urged them to register and collect their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) to enable them vote the candidate of their choice in the forthcoming election.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Field Youth Leader, Apostle A. R. Okpo said the youths of the church were delighted to have one of their own as the Lord's chosen to govern the state from 2023.

In his words, "let me on behalf of the youths in Eket Field congratulate you sir, on the victory God has showered on you, from wining the confidence of Governor Udom Emmanuel to being chosen as his preferred successor, to your winning the PDP gubernatorial primary, and even the numerous court victories now and in the future.

"Certainly, the finger of God is upon your aspiration. You are coming as a shining star at a time the economy of the nation is moribund and the security situation is in disarray.

"Today's Church-Hall meeting is a platform developed by the leadership of the church for the development of young minds, who are ready to key into your ARISE AGENDA and make the State the cynosure of entrepreneurial renaissance."

At the event were; wife of the field superintendent, Mrs. U. S Ukpong, Field Secretary, Apostle B. E. Okon, Deputy Director General of Umo Eno Campaign organization, Akparawa Godwin Ntukudeh, Akwa Ibom State Commissioners for Environment and Solid Minerals, Education, and Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, Dr. Idongesit Etiebet, and Hon. Orman Esin respectively, leaders of team Umo Eno, and other support groups of the Umo Eno 2023.

NO CONFUSION IN AKAN OKON VS UMO ENO CASE: IT IS A MATTER OF LEGAL PROCEDURE

Let me set the record straight. Akan Okon filed a case against Umoh Eno challenging the qualifications of Umo Eno.

Mr. Etim Aniekan Akan one of the Governorship aspirants applied to be joined in the suit as a defendant via Motion. Akan Okon, the owner of the case and defendants opposed the motion by Mr Etim to be joined in the suit.

The court heard the motion today. After hearing argument and counter argument, the court naturally has adjourned the case for ruling on the motion. The court would either join or refuse to join Mr. Etim in the coming ruling.

In law, the court is under obligation to resolve the issue of joinder of parties in a suit before hearing the main or substantive case. This is to avoid the issue of breach of fair hearing.

For avoidance of doubt, the main case is going to go on immediately the issue of joinder of parties have been resolved in the coming ruling.

Meanwhile, Pastor Umo Eno has filed his statement of defence and Akan Okon would file his Reply to statement of defence and Pre-trial papers.

You know what, nothing can be done until the court rules on the motion for joinder by Mr Etim. This is because if Mr Etim is eventually joined, the plaintiff would have to amend the entire originating process to reflect the new party.

This is legal procedure. There is no confusion.

Ekom Nwoko.

PASTOR UMO ENO OPPOSES ETIM AKAN’S APPLICATION TO JOIN AKAN OKON’S ELIGIBILITY SUIT

A Federal High Court in Uyo has adjourned to a later date, in the case between Akan Ekpe Okon and the Peoples Democratic Party, Pastor Umo Eno and Independent National Electoral Commission.

When the suit FHC/UY/CS/110/2022 came up Thursday for hearing, Mr Etim Aniekan Akan, one of the defeated aspirants in the PDP Governorship primaries, sought the Court’s leave to be joined as a party in the suit.

However speaking for the 1st and 2nd Defendants, Paul Usoro,SAN citing relevant judicial authority said the only grounds on which a party can be joined in a suit is where their participation will aid the administration of Justice, and where such party’s interests are tied to the interests of the defendants.

Paul Usoro said where the party sought to be joined is seeking the cancellation of the primaries and disqualification of the registered parties, there is no connection between such interests and that of the plaintiffs and the defendants and urged the court to dismiss the application.

The 1st and 2nd defendants reasoned that a necessary party is a party without whose presence the case cannot be completely or effectively determined.

They reasoned further that one can also be joined in a case if the plaintiff had made a case or seeks reliefs that pertain affect that party.

Similarly, the counsel to the plaintiff, Uche Awa,SAN, also opposed to the application by Mr Etim Akan, seeking being joined in the case describing it as abuse of court process.

Mr Etim Akan had pleaded that having bought the forms from the 1st Defendant, and having participated and secured some votes at the primaries, he deserved to be a part of the case.

Tabi Towo who appeared for aspirant, argued that neither the plaintiff Akan Okon, nor the 2nd Defendant Pastor Umo Eno was qualified whereas his client was eminently qualified and asked among other things that the May 25, 2022 governorship primaries be nullified.

The said Etim Akan had in a motion on notice, sought the order of the court to be joined as 4th defendant, and to be served with all the processes filed on the suit.

He argued that in pursuant of Order 9 Rule 5 of the Rules of the Federal High Court, 2019, "any person may be joined as defendant against whom the right to any relief is alleged to exist, whether jointly, severally or in the alternative and judgements may be given against one or more of the defendants as may be found to be liable, according to their respective liabilities, without amendment."

Accordingly, Justice Agatha Okeke adjourned proceedings to a later date to be communicated to the parties, for ruling on the application

"Then this Daniel was preferred above the president and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him" Daniel 6:3

The God Almighty will deposit in your life an excellent spirit that will make you stand out, stand tall and enjoy the divine favour this day in Jesus Christ

Don't forget to include Pst Umo Eno in your daily prayers. Akwa Ibom state under his leadership shall experience a complete seenable, touchable and feelable turnaround.

Pastor Umo Eno Advocates Preservation of Cultural Heritage
.. Felicitates 11th President-elect, Exco Members of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio

Following the growing concern over eroding cultural values in the State and beyond, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has emphasized on the need to value and preserve the Akwa Ibom cultural heritage.

Speaking while receiving the 11th president-elect of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa James Edet and his Executive members, Pastor Eno noted that the state is blessed with rich cultural values which must be preserved for generations yet unborn.

He maintained that culture is the way of life of a people and synonymous with the people, adding that while some traditions could be wished away, culture has to be preserved.

The governorship hopeful congratulated the president-elect and his executive members on their succeessful election, and urged them to preserve the cherished cultural heritage of the Ibibio people.

Pastor Eno, himself a member of the body, noted that it was not a mean fit to be elected as president of a foremost socio-cultural organization as the Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, and urged them to improve on the achievements of past executives.

He accepted the group's invitation to the inauguration of the new executive and pledged to partner with the body where necessary for the good of Ibibio Nation and the state at large.

Earlier in his remarks, the President-elect, said the visit was basically to invite Pastor Eno and spouse to their inauguration slated for July 24, 2022.

Akparawa Edet who acknowledged the membership of Pastor Umo Eno said he has known Pastor Eno for many years and can attest to the content of his character.

He thanked Pastor Eno for receiving the team and prayed for better partnership in the days ahead

In attendance were the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, DG of the Umo Eno campaign organisation - Ambassador Assam Assam, Deputy DG and 6th President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa Godwin Ntukeudeh, spokesperson of the Umo Eno campaign organisation, Prince Chris Abasi Eyo, Vice President 1 and 2 of Mboho, Akparawa (Elder) Iniabasi Ekanem, and Akparawa (Obong) Jimaimah Essien respectively, and many others.

Go Get Your PVC - Pastor Umo Eno Tells Constituents
.. As PDP Holds Ward Meetings

Ahead of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has urged the people of Ibiakpan Obotim Ward II, and by extension, Nsit Ubium and the state at large to register and get their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) to enable them vote for leaders of their choice in the next elections.

Speaking at the PDP Ward meeting at his ward, Ibiakpan Obotim II, he noted that support for candidates of their choice would amount to nothing without the PVC, stressing that it was imperative for everyone to get one.

He affirmed that it was necessary for everyone to be involved in the political process and to elect leaders with capacity and proven integrity who can steer the state to prosperity.

Pastor Eno who was accompanied by his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Eno noted that the essence of the meeting was basically to sensitise party faithfuls on the need to get their PVCs adding that every vote will count in the 2023 election.

He commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for providing purposeful leadership which according to him, has endeared many who had left the party to return.

The Governorship hopeful also lauded the State Chairman of the PDP, Elder Aniekan Akpan and the party leadership across the state for their steadfastness, assuring that PDP will continue to soar in the State and country generally.

He however advised leaders at all strata to mobilize people in their units, who are of age, to register and get a PVC.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Ward Chairman, Mr. Ukpong Michael Ukpong said the ward was delighted to produce the governorship candidate of the PDP adding that they were mobilizing and will continue to mobilize people for the PVC registration exercise to ensure an overwhelming victory for Pastor Eno at the polls.

For the records, the meeting was in line with PDP's age long tradition of engaging party members and supporters at the grassroots and was held simultaneously in all the 329 wards across the state.

In attendance were the Vice Chairman, Uyo Senatorial District, Mr. Ibanga Brownson, Former Council Chairman Mr. Udeme Sylvanus, former CAN Chairman, Rev Nduese Ekwere, Hon Jephter Tom and many others.