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Gov Eno’s Political Inclusivity Reaches Aso Rock

Published

2 weeks ago

March 4, 2025

Admin

In the grand theatre of Nigeria’s political landscape, few performances are as meticulously choreographed as a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.

For Akwa Ibom State, February signed off on a good note.

On February 28, 2025, the stage was set for a 104-member delegation of Akwa Ibom stakeholders, led by Governor Umo Eno and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to pay homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The 104 delegates ensemble cast across party lines , featuring political luminaries, traditional monarchs, religious leaders, and representatives from various societal strata, first assembled at the Akwa Ibom State Governors lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. The next stop was the Presidential Villa’s banquet hall side as early as 1:00 PM. The accreditation process unfolded with the precision of a well-rehearsed symphony, culminating in the delegation’s transit through the pilot gate into the hallowed chamber of the presidential wing.

State House protocol and security personnel, ever the unsung heroes of such occasions, orchestrated the proceedings with commendable finesse and meticulous discharge of their duty. However, as the clock ticked past the scheduled 2:00 PM rendezvous, anticipation gave way to a gentle hum of anxiety

At precisely 2:30 PM, the State House Director of Information, Oche, took to the microphone, his voice resonating through the chamber with the authority of a town crier. “ Your Excellencies , Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. President will be here soon. He was penning accent to the the nation”s 2025 Appropriation Law, he announced. You could say Akwa Ibom was a witness to prelude of the anticipated burgeoning economy which the 2025 Budget signposts. But that is not the story.

The delegation settled into a rhythm of emphatic communion, subdued conversations and occasional forays into the art of people-watching while others made their way to chambers arcade for coffee and some snacks .

The atmosphere brightened at 4:00 PM with the arrival of Governor Umo Eno, whose entrance was marked by a congenial exchange of pleasantries. He appeared in a light green studded lace adorned with well crafted ornaments and decked a hat with an ARISE crest. He was accompanied by his predecessor, former Governor Udom Emmanuel who had on a white well knit lace with the accompanying htraditional Dakkada encrusted hat. Their camaraderie set a tone of unity and continuity.

Five minutes later, precisely 4.05 pm the room buzzed anew as Senate President Godswill Akpabio made his appearance. He had a dark blue flowing agbada on with an “olumegbon” hat. With the ease of a seasoned politician, he navigated the head area of the Federal Executive Council Chambers.engaging in brief but hearty interactions starting from his wife , Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno and other top dignitaries.His presence added a layer of gravitas to the gathering.

The atmosphere suddenly got officious and secret service men were. noticed.
At exactly 4.10 pm, was when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , GCFR made a bold Presidential entry into the FEC Chambers. Clad in an immaculate white fitting and studed “agbada” lace and his traditional BAT hat
radiating warmth and authority that have become his hallmark.

In a strict order of events, the national anthem was taken and Governor Eno was scheduled to give the introductory remarks . At 4.17 pm Pastor Umo Eno rose to his feet to address the gathering, but Mr President quipped quickly “ you may sit down Governor. This is family meeting “
He did and presented his 20-month scorecard detailing the state’s strides in development. He seized the moment to solicit federal support for the Ibom Deep Seaport project and interventions to mitigate ecological challenges, notably the menacing gully erosion threatening infrastructure. The Governor extended an invitation to President Tinubu to commission the ARISE Resort and pivotal road projects slated for completion in May 2025.

This was swiftly followed by the conferment of the Traditional Title of “Otuekong Akwa Ibom” on the President by The Oku Ibom Ibibio III, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk who, on behalf of the traditional rulers conferred upon the President Akwa Ibom’s highest traditional title, “Otuekong” (Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom State).

It was next for the Senate President , Godswill Akpabio to speak. He addressed President Tinubu by his newest chieftaincy title “Otuekong” and applause took over the Chamber. He commended Governor Eno for fostering unity in the State, expressing his elation at witnessing such cohesion. “Words will fail me if I am to describe how elated I am today. This is the first time the blue and white have come together. I come from home, I can see my people from divides here. Akwa Ibom has demonstrated the brotherhood we stand for, and it is the governor that has made this possible.”
He assured President Tinubu of Akwa Ibom’s support for his administration, pledging that the political leadership in the State would work towards further reconciliation and collaboration.

Mr. President who had listened very attentively amidst nods gave his response. He reminisced on his days in Eket as an ExMobil auditor, reinforcing his longstanding connection to the State. He stressed the importance of political leaders prioritizing national development over party affiliations and commended Governor Umo Eno for showing such example. “Nigeria’s full potential can only be realized through unity and collective action.”

Commending Governor Umo Eno’s leadership, President Tinubu declared, “You have a very good governor, and he has the fear of God and love for his people.” He praised Akwa Ibom’s bipartisan collaboration and reassured the delegation of the federal government’s support, noting, “I have just signed the 2025 budget. I am happy that the uncertainty over the economy is fading, and hope is rising. I have had your concerns about the Deep Sea Port Project and others . Thank you for always staying with us. We must work together to build the nation.”

As the formalities concluded, Senate President Akpabio, ever the gracious host, extended an invitation to the delegation for a reception in their honour. The gathering, held at a high-profile venue within Abuja, provided an opportunity for the delegates to unwind after a long day of political discourse. Amid traditional delicacies, informal conversations, and strategic networking, the event further cemented the spirit of camaraderie that had defined the visit.

The high-profile delegation included Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno-Ibareki; former Governor Udom Emmanuel; senators and members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obong Emen Ekperikpe Ekpo; and State Chairmen of the PDP and APC, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan and Hon. Stephen Ntukekpo. Also present were the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah and some members of the State Executive Council; representatives from various federal boards and commissions, heads of socio – cultural organizations amongst others.

On the other hand, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris , Minister of Petroleum ( Gas ) Rt Hom. Ekperikpe Ekpo, joined the host, President Tinubu in the meeting.

As the delegation departed the Presidential Villa and later the reception, it was evident that this was more than a ceremonial visit; it was a testament to the power of unity and collaborative governance. It was indeed a family meeting. The Akwa Ibom stakeholders left with renewed optimism, buoyed by assurances of federal partnership in their developmental endeavors.

In the grand tapestry of Nigeria’s polity, today’s engagement added a vibrant thread, in Governor Umo Eno”s political inclusivity mantra , weaving together themes of tradition, progress, and collective aspiration. Governor Umo Eno, the exemplary leader and model governor, made that possible.

Featured

Rivers Crises: Dele Momodu Writes Open Letter to Tinubu

Published

21 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Following the political crises that have ravaged Rivers State, and President Tinubu’s subtle preference for one of the gladiators, Mr. Nyesom Wike, the former governor of the state, and present Minister of the Federal Capital Territory against the incumbent governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, has written yet another letter to the president.

Momodu reminded the president of life after office, and the need to live according to his democratic billings and background, stating that God has been kind to him to give him what Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and the rest couldn’t get, their popularity and doggedness notwithstanding. He pointed out the recent happenings at the Lagos State House of Assembly, where the lawmakers impeached his anointed speaker, whom he restored, saying that was part of the signals towards the impending rebellion ahead.

The letter in full:

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT TINUBU
By DELE MOMODU

My dear ASIWAJU, I pray this message meets you well. This letter has become necessary because of the strange things happening under your watch. I believe you were a Democracy hero and some of your mentees in the 1990s are now thoroughly embarrassed, and we feel scandalized, by your complete transfiguration from a Democracy Fighter to an enabler of ruthless Dictatorship. I have watched with incredulity, and sometimes trepidation, how you have wasted the humongous goodwill you built and acquired in those days of military rulership. How sad and unfortunate!!

Your Excellency, let me tell you what your hangers on will not tell you. Your deification by hero-worshippers is a charade. Permit me to give you two tales from Yoruba folklore. The first is the story of A O MERIN JOBA. How the elephant was deceived into thinking he shall become the ultimate king of the jungle until he fell into the ditch dug by the same acolytes.

The second is that of ESIN OBA SONU. The King’s Horse disappeared and a massive hunt ensued. It is not everyone searching for it that wants it recovered.

Have you forgotten the encomiums you and other members of your ruling party poured on President Muhammadu Buhari barely two years ago? Today, you’re all singing new tunes. The same fate awaits you sooner or later. The government agencies of coercion you’re deploying today to harass your opponents would be mobilized to hound you and yours if and when tomorrow comes.

The polity is dangerously heating up at the speed of light. Perhaps, only you and your diehards cannot see it. The recent rebellion in the Lagos State House of Assembly should have been a veritable signal to you about the impending resistance ahead.

Your open support for Minister Wike’s destabilization of Rivers State is most regrettable. God has been most kind to you. You got what CHIEFS AWOLOWO, AZIKIWE, M.K.O ABIOLA, OLU FALAE and MAJOR GENERAL YAR’ADUA couldn’t achieve. Why do you now place your fate in the hands of gods with feet of clay?!

Your legitimate ambition to seek a second term does not warrant this level of rascality across the nation…

Best wishes…

BOB DEE

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Again, El-Rufai Attacks Tinubu over Chicago Varsity Certificate Scandal, Calls President Ungrateful

Published

22 hours ago

March 16, 2025

Eric

A former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, said he and his allies had hoped that President Bola Tinubu would replicate his achievements in Lagos at the national level but failed woefully.

El-Rufai explained that despite concerns about Tinubu’s alleged certificate forgery from Chicago State University during the 2023 presidential election they backed him, believing he could transform Nigeria as he did Lagos.

“What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges,” El-Rufai told BBC Hausa in an interview on Saturday.

“We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed,”

El-Rufai called on opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to unite under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to salvage the country.

“What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP,” he added.

El-Rufai also dismissed accusations that he betrayed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stating that his past disagreements with Atiku during the Obasanjo administration were based on principle, not personal animosity.

“I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. In work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him. I told Buhari, and I even took Buhari to court on the new naira issue,” he said.

“When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was more right. It was not about north and south; Obasanjo was right. Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him, why are we together now.”

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Sanusi Lamido Remains Emir, Kano Govt Insists, Says Appeal Court Can’t Contradict Itself

Published

2 days ago

March 15, 2025

Eric

Kano State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Haruna Isa Dederi, has insisted that the ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on the lingering emirship tussle has not invalidated the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir.

Besides, Dederi declared that having passed a landmark verdict on January 10, 2025, reaffirming the power of the Kano State Government to reappoint Sanusi, it is impossible for the Court of Appeal to set aside or quash its own decision on the same matter.

The Attorney General made this position known to journalists while reacting to Friday’s ruling of the Appellate Court on the application for a stay of execution filed by Alh. Aminu Baba DanAgundi, one of the kingmakers loyal to the 15th Emir of Kano, Alh. Aminu Ado Bayero, pending the determination of the appeal at the Supreme Court.

According to Dederi, the matter is functus officio, adding that only the Supreme Court has the power to set aside the decision of the Appeal Court handed down by Justice Mohammad Mustapha on January 10, 2025.

“The Appeal Court today, after hearing their application for a stay of execution, ruled that the status quo should rather be maintained as it is now until after the judgment of the Supreme Court. They have filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.

“It doesn’t mean that the judgment delivered on January 10, 2025, has been quashed. That judgment is still standing, still in place, and subsisting. The Court of Appeal cannot reverse its own decision. It is not possible. Only the Supreme Court has the power to set aside the judgment given by a lower court.

“So, the Court of Appeal, Abuja, today has just said that execution of the judgment has been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal, which has been filed at the Supreme Court by Aminu Baba DanAgundi on behalf of Bayero,” Dederi noted.

It would be recalled that on January 10, 2025, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, led by Justice Mustapha, set aside the judgment of Justice A. Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano, which nullified the steps and actions taken by the Kano State Government pursuant to the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, including the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano.

The Appellate Court also dismissed the decision of the Federal High Court judge to hear the matter relating to the emirate council, ruling that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to do so. This decision upheld the removal of Bayero as the 15th Emir.

Dissatisfied with the verdict of Justice Mustapha’s panel, DanAgundi proceeded to the Supreme Court to seek the overturning of the lower court’s verdict. He also filed a motion for a stay of execution of Justice Mustapha’s judgment pending the hearing and determination of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.

The application was also moved on the grounds that the applicant initially instituted the suit in Kano to protect his fundamental rights and argued that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to hear and determine the suit.

In a unanimous ruling, the three-member panel of Justices led by Justice Abang on Friday held that the application was meritorious and deserving of the court’s discretion in the interest of justice.

“The law is settled. The court is enjoined to exercise its discretion judiciously and in the interest of justice,” Justice Abang said

Justice Abang held that the mandatory injunction ordered that the status quo ante bellum be maintained by the sheriff of this court and the trial court as it was before the trial court’s decision on 13/6/2024 in Suit No. FHC/KN/CS/182/2024.

In granting the injunction, Justice Abang emphasised that the applicant’s process was competent and had met all the necessary legal conditions required to obtain the relief sought.

He noted that a valid appeal was already pending before the Supreme Court, reinforcing the need to preserve the subject matter of the litigation.