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Akwa Ibom 2023: “Umo Eno is an asset with capacity to sustain the vision of a greater Akwa Ibom”-Senator Effiong Bob

Published

4 years ago

February 3, 2022

Editor

The recently selected political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob has described the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno as an asset who has the necessary credentials to run the state.

Speaking while making his remarks during a visit to Paramount Ruler of Nsit-Ubium, and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Ntenyin Solomon Etuk at his palace in Ikot Ukobo, Senator Bob noted that he was happy that a credible candidate like Umo has been endorsed by the state governor, Udom Emmanuel.

“I’m not talking here as a stranger. I am talk as of right and I defend the interest of Pastor Umo Eno as your next Governor as of right. I can assure you that the journey is just starting and by the grace of God it will end in praise”.

Senator Effiong Bob (4th left), Pastor Umo Eno & others

He revealed that the seasoned businessman who is the Commissioner of Lands and Water Resources from his background has the requisite knowledge to sustain the vision of a greater Akwa Ibom State.

The fifth and sixth National Assembly Senator who dropped his governorship ambition to back Eno, charged the aspirant to expect contrary forces and be determined to weather the storm that may come to challenge his

In his address, Pastor Umo Uno stated that the visit to the revered monarch was to receive his royal blessing as he seeks to contest the PDP primaries and later the gubernatorial elections.

He used the opportunity to react to a trending picture where he was seen paying obeisance to Governor Udom Emmanuel “I saw them write on social media; see a Pastor because of politics kneeling down for a Governor”. ‘ If they know that the church is subordinate to the state and we are to subject ourselves to constituted authority, they would understand”.

Chief Assam Assam, DG, Campaigns speaking during the visit

“I grew up in a home where respect was taught in the family. We were equally taught respect in school and of course the church. My parents taught me that when you are in a bus and you see an old person standing, you have to get up from your seat and offer the older person a sit. I believe that our people must begin to learn that culture of respect”.

“In the Yoruba tradition where I grew up, I understand that no one greets a king standing. So, I came to submit before you so that they can have so many things to write”.

“I know you as my father. Papa, I came here to inform you that majority of stakeholders of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State have endorsed me to run for the Governorship of this state. My hands are already on the plough and I won’t look back”.

Umo Eno who was on Sunday endorsed by Governor Udom Emmanuel and stakeholders in the state said he was humbled by the decision of the stakeholders to choose him for the top job, noting that because of his background and training, he would continue to show respect to constituted authority and no amount of media attacks would stop him.

Welcoming the governorship aspirant and his entourage to his palace, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk who is the President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council (TRC) commended Umo Eno and his team for the visit, and also offered his royal blessing and fatherly advice to the aspirant.

He said as a royal father, his doors are open to all, and charged political actors to play the game by the rules.

In his words “Umo Eno is a child of respect. I’m a traditional priest. What God has destined for any man cannot be erased. I don’t hate any one. Stakeholders have endorsed you as you said and you came here for royal blessing. The ultimate thing as a king, I look at how we can live in peace, live in harmony with one another. My doors are open to all”.

Senator Effiong Bob

“2023 election will come and go, but we will still remain a united people and state. My advice is that election is a periodic constitutional process. I call on the political class not to heat up the polity, but to consolidate on the gains we’ve so far achieved”.

“I want the best for my State. I want us to live in peace and harmony. Let God be with you, let him take over the job. May you be in good health. Protect the integrity of this state and what we are known for which is peace. Love, peace and unity are my desire as wishes as you embark on this political journey to lead the state. My God will lead you, protect you and family. Hold fast unto your God and he will see you through”.

Speaking earlier, the DG of his campaign team, Chief Assam Assam described Umo Eno as the preferred choice who has what it takes to consolidate on the development agenda of the Udom Emmanuel led administration, saying he was in the palace to seek his fatherly advice and blessing.

“We came to have a heart to heart discussion with our father. Your eminence we are very proud of you. Your representation of the traditional institution in the state is replete with candour.

Chief Assam said that Pastor Umo and team will continue with the consultations and will leave no stone unturned ahead of the PDP primaries.

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Tinubu Nominates Oyedele As Minister of State for Finance, Moves Anite-Uzoka to Budget Ministry

Published

4 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Eric

A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, has announced that “President Bola Tinubu has nominated Taiwo Oyedele as the minister of state for finance, replacing Doris Anite-Uzoka.

“Mrs Anite-Uzoka will now move to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, as the Minister of State, her third portfolio in the administration.

“President Tinubu has today conveyed the nomination of Mr Oyedele to the Senate for confirmation in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

“Until President Tinubu nominated him as a minister, Mr Oyedele from Ikaram, Akoko, Ondo State, was the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system.

“Mr Oyedele, 50, is an economist, accountant and public policy expert.

“He attended Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in accountancy and finance. He attended Oxford Brookes University and earned a BSc in applied accounting.

“He also completed executive education programmes at the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School.

“Mr Oyedele spent 22 years of his working career at PwC, joining in 2001 and rising to become the Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader.

“Mr Oyedele is also a professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and a visiting scholar at the Lagos Business School.”

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Defection: Atiku’s Son, Adamu, Resigns As Adamawa Commissioner

Published

9 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Eric

Adamu Abubakar, the first son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has resigned as Adamawa State’s commissioner for works and energy development, days after Governor Ahmadu Fintiri defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

Abubakar’s resignation letter, dated 2 March 2026, was addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government. He gave no reason for his departure.

The timing is pointed. Fintiri announced his defection to the APC in a statewide broadcast last Friday, saying his cabinet and the PDP’s state structure had moved with him. Within 24 hours, 22 commissioners and special advisers publicly announced they were following suit. Abubakar, whose father remains one of the PDP’s most prominent national figures, was not among them.

In a statement issued Monday night, Abubakar’s media aide Abdulaziz Jauro said the former commissioner thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued loyalty to the administration’s developmental agenda. He also expressed gratitude to his father “for granting him the moral support and blessing to serve the people of Adamawa State” — a line that, read in context, suggests Atiku was consulted on the decision.

Abubakar said his resignation was not a withdrawal from public life. “This does not mark the end of his commitment to public service,” the statement read, “but rather the beginning of new avenues for developmental collaboration.”

The resignation leaves unresolved the question of whether it reflects a political break with the governor over his defection or a personal decision unconnected to the broader party realignment now reshaping Adamawa’s political landscape.

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DSS Nabs Man over Assassination Attempt on Peter Obi

Published

11 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Eric

Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has detained a man in connection with the recent attack and alleged assassination threats targeting Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

According to AIT, the shooting incident took place on February 24, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State, during a political gathering attended by Obi and several figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The meeting was hosted by former APC National Chairman, John Oyegun. Gunmen reportedly opened fire at the venue, causing panic and forcing attendees to disperse for safety.

According to security sources, shortly after the attack, an individual identified as Udeme Monday Stephen allegedly took to social media claiming responsibility and issuing additional threats against Obi, warning of further violence.

Intelligence officials reportedly initiated swift investigations, employing digital tracing and forensic tools that led to the arrest of the 26-year-old suspect in Rivers State. He is said to be a teacher at a private secondary school in the Eliozu area of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

The suspect remains in DSS custody and is expected to face prosecution. The agency reiterated its commitment to responding to credible threats and safeguarding lives and national interests without bias.