Headline

2023: Eno Akpan, Ahaziah Umanah back Pastor Umo Eno’s guber ambition

Published

4 years ago

March 11, 2022

Editor

As endorsements and adoptions continue to trail the governorship aspiration Pastor Umo Eno, the political stakeholders in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo Local Government Areas have added their voices in support of the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources.

The influential politicians made the resolution on Thursday during consultation visits to political leaders of Ukanafun, Obong Eno Akpan and Etim Ekpo, Prof. Ahaziah Umanah respectively.

In his remarks, Obong Eno Akpan, assured Pastor Eno of massive support from his people, noting that Ukanafun people had already decided to stand firmly behind the seasoned businessman ahead of the 2023 governorship race.

The former Commissioner who identified Ukanafun as the political epicentre of the zone and stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, urged the aspirant not to forget Ukanafun in his administration when he eventually emerges governor.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ukanafun LGA, Pastor Godwin Inyieng assured the aspirant of the support of Ukanafun people whom he said have accepted, adopted and are willing to support him to win the primary and governorship elections.

He noted that Ukanafun is made up of peaceful and wise people, stressing that there is “no dog in Ukanafun”

Similarly, in their separate remarks, a former member of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Saturday Akpan, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral/Donor Agencies, Ndiana-Abasi Udom, Chapter Coordinator of MPM, Engr Ekpenyong Ekpenyong, and a one-time PDP Chapter Women Leader, Hon. (Mrs.) Victoria Uko said Ukanafun has strong and respectful leadership who had already set the pace for the people of Ukanafun to follow ahead of 2023 elections.

They assured the aspirant that the people are united and unanimous in their decision to support him.

According to them, the antecedents of Pastor Eno in the private sector speak volumes of his capacity, and assured him of bloc votes from Ukanafun.

At Etim Ekpo LGA, the Founder of the First Temple Church of the Nazarene, Professor (Bishop) Ahaziah Umanah who received the aspirant at his country home in Eka Uruk Essiet, admonished the PDP frontline aspirant to remain focused and tasked him on human capital development when voted in as governor in 2023.

The former Chairman of Etim Ekpo charged the aspirant to meditate on the words of God in 1Kings 3:15-21 while exhorting him to allow God have His way in his project, saying that unless the Lord builds a house, the builders labour in vain.

Reading from Psalm 121, the man of God urged the PDP hopeful to look up to God and put his trust in Him to guide him through and grant his heart’s desire.

For the Member representing Ika/Etim Ekpo State Constituency, Hon. Mfon Idung, who described the aspirant as a man on a mission from God, he charged him to remain focused even in the face of intimidation and blackmail.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo LGA, Hon. Ime Afia, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Engr. Moffat, former House of Assembly member, Barr. Nse Ekanem, and others commended the aspirant for his humble and peaceful disposition and assured him of 100% votes from the area.

They described the endorsement of Pastor Umo Eno as the will of God, saying that Etim Ekpo people cannot fight God’s will for the state.

In his speech, the PDP hopeful, Pastor Eno thanked Obong Eno Akpan, Prof. Ahaziah Umanah and all others for believing in him and his vision for Akwa Ibom State and described Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo as his second home, adding that the local government areas are the home of the PDP.

The renowned entrepreneur promised an all inclusive government where Akwa Ibomites from all walks of life will be brought to the table of deliberation on the future of the state without segregation or discrimination.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Director-General of Campaigns, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh described their hosts as patriots who know what is good for the state, and solicited the people’s support for the aspirant to succeed at the party’s gubernatorial primaries and also emerge as governor in 2023.

Also speaking, the International Chairman of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM) Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem described Obong Eno Akpan as one of the most consistent and loyal party men who has remained relevant in the affairs of the State.

He harped on the aspirant’s character and competence to lead the State through the path of peace when elected as governor in 2023.

Headline

UK Orders Airspace Restrictions, Road Closures for Tinubu’s State Visit

Published

3 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

Authorities in the United Kingdom (UK) have announced temporary airspace restrictions and road closures in Windsor ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s State visit to the country.

Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, will host Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle on March 18 and 19, 2026.

State visits represent the highest level of diplomatic engagement hosted by the British monarch.

According to Thames Valley Police, extensive security measures will be implemented in Windsor during Tinubu’s state visit, including an expanded airspace exclusion zone and a large-scale policing operation.

The castle already operates under a permanent airspace restriction, but authorities said the exclusion zone will be extended on March 18 between 07:00 and 23:59 GMT.

Police warned that anyone who breaches the restriction will “likely” face arrest.

Security operations will involve search teams, armed units, mounted officers, and road policing officers. Neighbourhood officers and Project Servator teams will also conduct patrols across the town to deter and detect criminal activity while engaging with the public.

Officials added that Windsor’s extensive CCTV network and hostile vehicle mitigation barriers will also be used as part of security arrangements.

Ch Supt Adrian Hall of the joint operations unit said:

“As a force, we have a vast amount of experience in policing royal events in Windsor, and significant planning and preparation have gone into this event.

“We will ensure everyone attending the state visit, including dignitaries, spectators, and members of the public, are kept safe to enjoy the historic occasion.”

Authorities said several road closures and parking restrictions will begin on March 17 ahead of Tinubu’s State visit, warning that motorists may experience temporary disruption on roads in and around Windsor.

Some footways and pedestrian crossings in the town centre will also close periodically between 09:30 and 12:30 on March 17 and 18 for a ceremonial procession.

Headline

False and Misleading: Senator Ireti Kingibe Not Suspended, Says ADC

Published

3 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has dismissed reports that Senator Ireti Kingibe has been suspended from the party, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Kingibe currently represents the Federal Capital Territory in the Senate.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ADC is not aware of any decision to suspend the senator and urged the public to ignore the circulating reports.

Abdullahi emphasized that the party has well-defined constitutional procedures for handling allegations involving its members.

“The African Democratic Congress is unaware of any suspension of Senator Ireti Kingibe, the distinguished Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.

He added that as a law-abiding political party, the ADC follows established internal mechanisms when dealing with issues concerning its members rather than addressing such matters through media statements.

“As a law-abiding political party, the ADC has clear constitutional procedures for addressing any allegations involving its members. Such matters are handled through established internal mechanisms, not through press statements,” Abdullahi stated.

The party therefore called on the public and media organizations to disregard the reports of Kingibe’s alleged suspension.

“We therefore urge the public and the media to disregard the reports suggesting that Senator Ireti Kingibe has been suspended by the party, as they are false and misleading,” the statement added.

Headline

Tambuwal Finally Dumps PDP, Defects to ADC

Published

3 days ago

March 12, 2026

Eric

Former Governor Aminu Tambuwal has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress.

“I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective from today,” the letter stated.

Mr Tambuwal stated that the party’s persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and divisions at various levels made it difficult for him to continue his active participation and commitment as a member.

“The ongoing conflicts have, unfortunately, worsened the unity and direction that once defined the party,” the former Sokoto governor stated.

Meanwhile, in a statement on X on Thursday, Mr Tambuwal said he had officially joined the ADC with his associates and supporters.

“I am convinced that this decision is guided by my belief that Nigeria needs a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development.

“I remain fully committed to the service of our country and to the ideals of democracy, justice, and national unity,” the former governor stated.