LIVENEWSGUNS

  By Ekaette Okon Joseph When Governor Umo Eno announced that Akwa Ibom workers would receive their 13th-month salary, popularly known as Enomber on or before December 20, 2025, it reaffirmed a core principle of his administration: workers’ welfare is the foundation of good governance. The institutionalisation of this bonus, now in its third consecutive year, reflects a deliberate continuation of the state’s longstanding commitment to placing workers and retirees at the centre of development planning. Akwa Ibom’s progress in workers’ welfare has been a cumulative effort across administrations. Successive governments, each building on the foundations laid before them, have worked to strengthen the civil service, improve pay systems, and expand social protection. Governor Umo Eno has taken this shared commitment forward with a structured, data-driven approach that ensures sustainability, predictability, and accountability. This commitment is most evident in the ongoing settlement of ...

  Well known for his steadfast adherence to principles and thorough leadership, Professor Samuel Ogheneovo Asagba stands very tall as a man of great moral rectitude. His style of leadership has distinguished him as a hardworking and an upright Nigerian. Naturally zealous about development, the current Vice-Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka comes across clearly as a competent hand that would not back away from a public interest policy. Perhaps, the most fascinating part of Asagba is that he is a reformer. A highly accomplished scholar, biochemist, and academic leader, Asagba's career reflects a lifelong dedication to excellence in research, education, and institutional development.  The seasoned academic with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and university administration began his academic career at the Delta State University, where he steadily rose through the ranks, holding several strategic positions including: Head of Department of Biochem...

  • Doles Out 3M Business Grants • ‘You're Our VVIPs’ —  DG Redemption FM By Kendi JUMBO  It was a historic day of merrymaking and impact when the leading humanitarian service provider in this part of the world, the Okongko Charity Foundation, led by a Canadian-based scholar and astute businessman, Dr. Chris Okongko, played host to Akwa Ibom disabled community on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at its office, 118 Atiku Abubakar Way, Uyo. The annual event was yet another occasion the Foundation set aside to celebrate, fete, parley, and empower the SPECIAL PEOPLE drawn from the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State, with business grants and special treats. Historically, the Okongko Charity Foundation, in partnership with Redemption FM Radio Abak, has been organizing a special event not just to celebrate but also to encourage and empower people living with disabilities in the state. This year's edition came with a bang and fun memories. Setting the tone for the event, t...

  President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of the Nigerian side of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group as part of steps to deepen collaboration in tackling security challenges in the country.   The composition of the Joint Working Group was part of the agreement reached during the recent trip to Washington, DC, by a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.   Ribadu is to lead the Nigerian side of the Joint Working Group, supported by a multi-stakeholder team comprising senior officials from relevant government establishments.   Members of the Joint Working Group include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Bernard M. Doro, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed and the Inspector Gene...

  President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has assured protesting police officers who have been keeping vigil at the gate of the National Assembly over their inclusion in the Contributory Pension Scheme, that their problem is over. He assured the leadership of the retirees that the issue would be given a speedy hearing and concur with the House of Representatives, which had earlier passed the bill. Akpabio gave the promise while receiving in courtesy the leadership of the retired police officers in his office on Thursday.  A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate President, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying, " the policy, from what you have told us, was not well thought out. But take it that you have to disperse from the gate, that problem as far as the law is concerned is over. "On Tuesday next week, we will concour with what the House of Representatives have done and produce an Act exiting you from the Scheme. I know that President Bola Tinu...

  By Ifiokabasi Abia  It was a colourful and heartwarming celebration as Little Miss Eliana Ini Sunday marked her first birthday, an event described as a gathering of joy and thanksgiving. Eliana is fondly regarded as a wonderful and destiny-filled child whose arrival continues to bring favour and grace to her family. Speaking at the event in Uyo, November 22, 2025, her father, Engr. Ini Sunday, expressed deep gratitude to God for the gift of Eliana, noting that she has brought mercy, testimony, and abundant blessings into their home. The marine engineer described her as a miracle child, carrying grace, peace, and a promising future. He encouraged couples expecting children to hold firmly to their faith in God. According to him, “Nothing is as important as being intentional and consistent. Being intentional means knowing exactly what you ask God for, including the kind of child you desire.” Engr. Sunday reaffirmed that Eliana arrived at the perfect time ordained by God and has...

   BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE For democracy to work, citizens must be enlightened. The issue is not about demolition. I am against demolitions. Nearly all the governors in Nigeria are guilty of that because they do it without due process. To demolish the abode of a person, the government must go to court and obtain a judgement before carrying out any demolition. The governors have been very lawless. The unfortunate thing is that no one has gone to court to challenge these illegal acts. Apart from citizen apathy, the Land Use Decree of 1978 gave unchecked powers to do as they wish with the land that belongs to the people. The governors have unchecked powers in this regard. This is a military decree that have not been reviewed by the lawmakers because it benefits them as they use their positions and relationship to acquire choice lands in Nigeria. The process of acquiring land in Nigeria is so opaque that only well connected people can authenticate their property. In a functioning demo...

  By Ifiokabasi Abia  The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Independent Newspaper Publishers Association, INPA, Akparawa Emmanuel Sam, has applauded members of the Association for their faith and zealousness in the publications business, adding that INPA is fully registered with CAC in Nigeria. "The Independent Newspapers Publishers Association (INPA) in Akwa Ibom State is a dedicated body established purely for the business interests of newspaper publishers. It is not a government support group nor aligned with any political agenda. "INPA’s primary aim is to foster an environment where publishers are empowered to succeed independently, driven by their passion and commitment to their craft. "As independent-minded professionals, members of INPA are encouraged to embrace self-reliance and resilience. The association does not impose restrictions on what members should or should not publish; rather, it respects the independence of each publisher. "INPA’s role is to provide s...

  By Ifiokabasi Abia  The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abak Branch, has called on the Akwa Ibom State Government to adopt a strategic, technology-driven, and investment-backed approach to achieving sustainable electricity supply across the state. The recommendations were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Society’s general meeting held on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Abak Library Hall, NSE Abak Branch Secretariat. The meeting featured a technical session delivered by Engr. Uduak Effiong Essien, a Chartered Electrical Engineer, on the theme “Sustainable Electricity Supply in Akwa Ibom State: Challenges and Opportunities.” The session examined the current state of power supply in the state, identified critical challenges, and highlighted opportunities for achieving reliable, efficient, and environmentally friendly electricity access. In the communiqué signed by the Branch Chairman, Engr. Nsikak Akpan, and the Secretary, Engr. Edidiong Udofia, the engi...

Prophet Ekong Ituen has issued a cautionary message to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, urging him to be vigilant about the motives of some commissioners and close associates within his administration. According to the cleric, certain individuals in the governor’s inner circle may be quietly working against his political interests. He stressed that only divine guidance and discernment would enable the governor to identify acts of betrayal and sycophancy around him. Prophet Ituen advised the governor to remain prayerful and attentive, noting that misplaced trust could become a challenge as his tenure progresses.

The attention of well-meaning Akwa Ibom people has been drawn to an ill-tempered and theatrically inflammatory publication issued by one Comr. Ewa Okpo, parading himself as a State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, maligning the person and office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD. Ordinarily, such a disjointed propaganda piece, replete with verbal acrobatics, biblical misapplications, and political desperation would not merit a response. However, in the interest of preserving the peace and stability which this administration has painstakingly nurtured, it becomes imperative to address the malicious mischief embedded in the said release. Let it be clearly and unequivocally stated that Akwa Ibom State remains one of the most peaceful and politically stable sub-national entities in Nigeria today, courtesy of the Governor’s deliberate pacifist governance philosophy, inclusive leadership posture, and unwavering commitment to unity....

Prophet Ekong Ituen has cautioned members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against celebrating the outcome of the recent national convention, stating that the party may soon face fresh legal and political setbacks. According to the cleric, his revelation indicates that a court of competent jurisdiction may nullify the convention, adding that the internal crisis within the PDP is far from over, with more intense political battles ahead. He further warned that the party may struggle to present a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections. Even if a candidate eventually emerges, he noted, INEC or the courts may not validate that candidacy. Prophet Ituen advised the party leadership to seek divine direction from a spiritually grounded cleric, emphasizing that the spiritual controls the physical. He also urged the PDP to fully activate its internal dispute-resolution mechanisms as provided in its constitution. Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading prophets, Ekong Ituen ...

  BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE   The longer the military stayed in power in Nigeria, the more they damaged the fabric of the Nigerian society and destroyed the military professionalism of the Nigerian soldiers due to their ad-hoc policies.   Nothing the Nigerian military did had any rhyme or reason. They did everything to entrench themselves and desecrate all standards of civilized behavior. They turned Nigerians to people who have been conquered and under a foreign army occupation. Any of their daydreams became decrees. In order to wrest the land from the indigenous people, they passed all kinds of ad-hoc decrees. This is the Land Use Decree. This decree has cost the Nigerian more problems and discord than any of their pugilistic stance on freedom. Overnight land was forcibly taken from citizens and given to the government and the governor became the only person who decides who gets land. This is an extreme plunder.   This decree is still a law. The new leaders have not seen...

  …Aesthetics, Engineering Excellence — NSE Abak By Ifiokabasi Abia Uyo, Akwa Ibom State — The Managing Director of Bulletin Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, has commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for its foresight in transforming the state’s environmental challenges into a hub of tourism and economic opportunities through the ARISE Resort Park project. Speaking during an excursion by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abak Branch, to the ARISE Resort Park in Uyo, Chief Harb described the project as *“a perfect example of turning waste to wealth.”* He explained that the site, once a vast expanse of degraded land plagued by gully erosion that threatened the School of Nursing, Nwaniba, has now become Nigeria’s first and finest recreational resort. “Our work is to build structures and hand them over to the Akwa Ibom State Government. This area was once waste land, riddled with erosion and flooding from Ewet Housing Estate. We redirected the flood and reclaimed the ...

  BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE   It is becoming very tiresome to listen to the negative stories of corruption. It has become fashionable to ask the question “Can anything good come out of Nazareth? No day goes by without the story of corruption and people complaining incessantly about the odious system. With all the gall and bitterness that Nigerians complain about corruption, no one has defined the entity called corruption. Corruption here, corruption there and corruption everywhere but the Nigerian conveniently excludes himself as the purveyor of corruption. He is good while the other people are bad. His tribesmen are good because they are not in power. His barometer of corruption is always subjective. Corruption is an activity done by others but never us. If we are to build a just society we have to be honest with ourselves and understand that if corruption is a bacteria, it cannot grow in a sterile medium. To eradicate corruption, we have to examine ourselves and the role each and ...

…I’m doing it for Jesus, not politics, says Iboro Johnny By Ifiokabasi Abia Abak, Akwa Ibom State – November 2025 Stakeholders of Abak Local Government Area have showered encomiums on Engr. Iboro Johnny for his remarkable efforts in facilitating the 70-kilometre road construction project in Uruk Uso, Abak Local Government Area. During a courtesy visit and project inspection, the former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo, commended Engr. Johnny for his uncommon commitment to community development, describing him as a man who places humanity above self-enrichment and personal gain. “These projects are not about politics. You have chosen a life of service,” Mr. Ekpo stated, urging others to emulate Engr. Johnny’s passion for development and his dedication to improving the living standards of his people. Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Friday Iwok, a former lawmaker, lauded Engr. Johnny’s developmental vision, noting that the road network will significantly ease the transportatio...

   BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE In the Biafran dialogues, I have posited that Biafran actors have been de-marketing and undermining Nigeria as a Nation. Their actions should never be considered benign.   They have become a clear and present danger to our corporate existence as a people. They are starting a bush fire and don’t care who gets incinerated. This is to fulfill their anarchy ideology.   Recent events have confirmed my summation and concerns about Biafra that will never go away.   For fear that they will call someone Igbo hater has made it difficult to discuss this elephant in the room.   A group of Igbo officers in the US army wrote the letter that made Donald Trump tell the world he wants to invade Nigeria. He will make it so sweet because he will have special bullets that will know the difference between Christians and non-Christians.   What the Biafrans are doing is beyond treason. There are soldiers from all over the world in the United States Arm...

  By Ekemini James Governor Umo Eno’s commitment to ensuring a merit-based civil service recruitment has taken another major leap today, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as the main Computer-Based Test (CBT) examinations for civil service applicants officially commence. The process which marks the begining of what promises to be one of the most transparent recruitment exercises in the history of the state's civil service is taking place at the CBT centre, located within the Idongesit Nkanta Secretariat complex, Uyo. Invitations to participate in the examination are being sent out in batches, ensuring that every qualified applicant has an opportunity to participate in due course. This indeed is a new dawn in the Governor’s quest to build a civil service anchored on competence, fairness, and integrity.  This approach also demonstrates the inclusive leadership style of the current administration which ensures that, everyone irrespective of political affiliation, background or connectio...

  BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE When I write about thorny issues of Biafra, the proponents of Biafra always tell me my observation is one-sided. This makes me laugh. What have they been doing since the end of the war? They have been telling a one sided story. I can’t help it but laugh. What were they expecting from me? Were they expecting a love letter that extols their braggadocio? Were they expecting me to accept the lies and grandiosity of Mr. Kanu? This is ridiculous.   Nigerians are beginning to counter the lies that the Biafrans have been telling their children. These people are disturbed that the only answer they have is emotional subterfuge that short circuits the observation that led to our present discontent.   Telling me that they are angry does not become a corollary to the facts that created our present history. Most things the current Biafrans say are not factual and they Know it and also stretch the truth that makes any third party and independent observer give the...