Darlington UDOBONG

For being embodied with compassion, humility and accommodative heart, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, member representing Uruan State Constituency and Speaker of the Seventh Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, has been unveiled as the driver of the Assembly. He has been tagged the “Working Speaker.”

Rt. Hon. Bassey, fondly called Ani GemLodge, was born on the 30th day of August, 1978. He is a native of Ekim Enen Village in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He attended Christ the King Nursery and Primary School (1984 – 1991), Uyo High School (1991- 993), Senior Science College, Abak (1993 -1996). He is an alumnus of the University of Uyo, where he bagged two Bachelor of Science Degrees in Chemistry, and Sociology and Anthropology. He is currently pursuing two Master Degrees in Sociology and Anthropology, and in Development Studies.

In 2015, Ani GemLodge heeded the call of the people of Uruan to represent them in the State House of Assembly, a mandate he got through the ballot. He served in the 6th Assembly as Deputy Leader, Chairman of the House Services Committee and Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology. Given his superlative performance, his people returned him through the ballot again for a second term. And by the benevolence of God, he emerged the Speaker of the 7th Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
His service to community has been severally acknowledged and recognized by different groups and bodies. Hon. Aniekan Bassey in the last four years has provided quality representation to his people in the State House of Assembly. He has sponsored and co-sponsored a good number of bills and motions as well as matters of urgent public importance with direct bearing on the people of Uruan and the state in general. Co-sponsored several bills includes Bill to protect the Physically Challenged Persons against all forms of Discrimination, Bill to establish Constituency Projects Development Fund, Bill to establish Building and civil engineering construction Materials Quality and Control Centre, Bill to establish Akwa Ibom State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency, Bill to establish Akwa Ibom State Social Housing Scheme and Bill to establish Akwa Ibom State Youth Development Fund among others. Motions and Matters of Urgent Public Importance includes the murder of Daniel Bassey Solomon from Ifiayong Usuk whose case is being vigorously pursued in court; the need for Akwa Ibom State Government’s Involvement in Agricultural Value Chain to Ensure Sustainable Food Security and improve Foreign Earning and the need to curb the invasion/annexation of Uruan LGA by marauding militants from Cross River state.

As Chairman of the House Services Committee, Rt. Hon. Bassey proactively supervised the renovation of the Assembly Chapel, VIP Lounge, the Assembly Chamber and Gallery, Conference Hall and the General Reception, etc. His coming as Chairman brought about a complete turnaround of the ambience of the Assembly complex.
He has trained more than 1000 youths in JAMB CBT and computer studies out of which he provided 60 JAMB forms to the beneficiaries. JAMB classes were organized for them and they were transported to their respective exam venues. For the first time, Uruan students recorded 90% pass in JAMB through his efforts. Also, in conjunction with National Directorate of employment, he facilitated the vocational training of more than 60 Uruan persons in phone repairs, hair dressing, fashion design, beads and hat making, computer studies and paint manufacturing and also provided starter packs for them at the end of the training. He has assisted scores of persons to be gainfully employed and start a business of their own in his resolve to entrepreneurially empower his people – teaching them how to fish than giving them fish.
Some youths from Uruan were sponsored to Turkey to further their football career in conjunction with the Vincent Enyeama Grassroots Sports Development. He also sponsored Uruan Football Club that came second in the 2016 Akwa Ibom Football Cup Competition. 50 Uruan women have been given grants to start a business of their own. He contributed immensely in the award of contract for building of the Ishiet Fish Market (Urua Ishiet) of which the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel has graciously provided an industrial fish grill; and the Anua-Mbak-Ishiet road. Since Health is Wealth, he sponsored a four day free medical exercise as a fulfillment of his campaign promise thus contributing his quota to the medical wellbeing of his people where more than 5000 Uruan people benefitted from the exercise; 662 lenses were dispensed; 300 dental surgery and treatment took place, 73 general surgeries while 3000 others had diabetic, HIV/AIDS and hypertension screening and treatment. As a follow-up to the free medical treatment, a medical doctor at Anua Hospital has been kept on retainership and referrals are made to him as the need arises. Hon Aniekan Bassey has also attracted projects such as Renovation of Town Hall at Ekim Enen, Renovation of Town Hall at Use Uruan, Installation of 300KVA Electricity Transformer at Ikot Inyang Esuk Central 3, Installation of Electricity Transformer at Afaha Ikot Ishiet, South 2, Renovation of 4 Classroom Blocks at Ikpa Uruan North 1, Facilitated the upgrading of Nung Ikono Ufok Village Market, Construction of 6 Classroom Blocks at Akan Obio Uruan, Provided relief materials and cash to two warring communities (Anakpa and Nna Enin) to help resettle them.
In April 2018, Hon. Aniekan presented his scorecard to his people. During the said event, more than 300 persons were empowered with cars, mini buses, motor cycles, sewing machines, vulcanizing machines, grass cutting machines, hair dryers, deep freezers, barbing saloon kits generating sets and grants to more than 400 persons.

Before venturing into politics, Hon. Aniekan started business at age 17 and has garnered vast entrepreneurship expertise spanning two decades with interests in manufacturing, building and construction, security and surveillance as well as hospitality providing jobs to more than 300 Nigerians. Business firms he founded and co-founded includes Technocraft Contractors his first Company at age 19; a communications and securities outfit vested in sales and installations, Germain Products and Allied Services Ltd; leading producers of paints, resins, gum and vanishes, wood sealants, etc. There is also the gem grand Lodge and gem lounge; a reputable and award-winning hospitality outfit and Technogem; a civil engineering, architectural and quantity surveying outfit, etc.

He is an embodiment of achievements, an inspiring fellow, an entrepreneur par excellence, proactive business guru, institution builder, mentor, creative thinker, role model, outstanding and quintessential lawmaker of the 21st century. The sterling qualities that stands Hon. Aniekan out as a man of the people includes his unassuming and humble disposition; does not drive around in tinted vehicles and security aides, and most often drives himself to work. He is accessible to his people both at home and office.

While his life has been that of inspiration, development, empowerment and motivation, his actions have remained positive as they have helped to promote the greatest good for the greatest number. His leadership qualities and exemplary life is captured in the words of Admiral Stockdale who said that, “Men of service and impact are never out of job and never out of followers; they do not pass this clime often. They are part of a rare breed of whom service is life itself.”
His legislative interests include education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and grassroots development. He believes in the dictum that, “Only a life lived for others is a life well lived”. He has received numerous awards including Pillar of Legislative Business and the Peoples’ Voice in AKHA by South-South Students’ Assembly, Distinguished Service Award by Uyo High School Old Students’ Association, Certificate of Honour by Nsit Attai Council of Chiefs and Award for Effective Representation by University of Uyo Students’ Parliament, etc. Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey is an example of a true democrat, statesman and selfless representative of his people. He belongs to the Roman Catholic family and is happily married to Mrs. Itohowo Bassey.

Governor Udom Emmanuel has called on security agencies in the State to close ranks and fish out perpetrators of the attack on Ikot Obio Nso community in Mkpat Enin local government area.

The attack which was reportedly carried out by herdsmen, left one Friday Udo Etor dead and many others with bullet wounds.

The late Friday Udo Etor was a farmer, according to his family.

Gov Emmanuel who made the call when he visited the family of the deceased and others who were affected in the attack, said the perpetrators must be identified and punished to give the victims and the community a sense of security.

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, frowned at the attack, stating that the State government will not condone violence acts nor harbour any person or group preying on the lives of her citizens.

“Governor Udom Emmanuel is very saddened and unhappy by this unprovoked attack on our people.

“He called me by 1a.m. and told me to be here this morning to console the people and calm frayed nerves.”

“We are peaceful and civilized in Akwa Ibom state, the elasticity of our patience is not infinite. As it is said in science when the limit of elasticity is exhausted there must be rupture and we do not want that.”

Speaking to a cross section of indigenes of the affected community, the governor said his administration is working with security agencies to capture and prosecute the attackers.

He assured them that government is working to guarantee their security, appealed to them to cooperate with security agencies to unravel those behind the attack.

“Be assured that all hands are on deck, with the Governor being the chief security officer of the State pushing for it, with support from all of us, those murderers would be arrested and security of life and property would be guaranteed, the governor assured.

The governor also stopped over at a hospital to check on a 11 year old boy, Master Nsikak Sylvanus Udoh, who sustained bullet wounds in the attack.

The Chairman of Ikot Obio Nso Village Council, Chief George Okodi, told the governor that the incident occurrred on Thursday, 8th August, at Ndon Enyin farm at about 9a.m.

Okodi explained that the deceased went to his farm and saw a herd of cattle feeding on his crops, so he accosted the herdsmen in a bid to stop them from destroying his crops but they resisted him and in the ensuing disagreement one of the herdsman pulled out a gun and shot him to dead.

He said the incident alarmed members of the community who were equally attacked by the herdsmen with people sustaining injuries from gun shots.

Okodi thanked the state government for responding promptly to the crisis, appealed for security beef-up in the area.

Youth Leader of the affected community, Mr Emmanuel Sylvester Udo, called on security agencies to be interested in unravelling how herdsmen acquire firearms and went round with it.

The Council Chairman of Mkpat Enin local government, Mr Ekanem Brown said the governor’s visit was a morale booster to the community, regretted that the peace and security of the Ikot Obio Nso community has been compromised with the invasion of the herdsmen .

“Your personal visit through the SSG speaks volume of your love for Mkpat Enin people and the fact that we took the right decision by voting you for a second tenure.

“We have been doing our best to calm the youths. Emotions were very high yesterday, I believe this visit will calm our youths.”

Brown appealed to security agencies to ensure that justice is served on the attack.

A senior citizen of Mkpat Enin and member of the State Executive Council, Barr. Ekong Sampson has commiserate with families affected in the attack.

Sampson who is the Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources, condemned the attack and urged the youths to remain law-abiding and allow law enforcement agencies to do her job.

Meanwhile, the member representing Mkpat Enin in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ekwere, has mourned the demise Late Friday Udo Etor, saying that he was a hardworking.

On the governor’s entourage during the visit were Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Mr John Jude and Special Assistant on Local Media, Prince Emmanuel Sam.

By Tega Odje

ASABA – THERE was cheers and celebration as the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday screened and confirmed new members of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC Board.

The majority leader of the House, Hon. Kenneth Oboro Preyor moved the motion for screening and confirmation of the new members of DESOPADEC.

The motion was promptly seconded by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon.Pat Ajudua PhD.

Confirming the new members of the DESOPADEC Board, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly,Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori said,”My dear Colleagues, honour are due to those that deserve it. Everybody deserve it. They all stand out.”

The new DESOPADEC Board will be chaired by Hon.Michael Diden a.k.a, Ejele while Chief Askia Ogieh a.k.a Bashorun will be Managing Director.

The other members who were screened and confirmed includes, Hon. Barr. John Mani, Hon. Joyce Overah, Mr. Lucky Shadrach Agediga, Leonard Anuka, Griftson Omasuli, Paul Owen, Chief Kent Okiemute, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo as well ad Dr. Paul Oru will serve as Commissioners and Executive Directors respectively.

In a chat with newsmen shortly after the screening and confirmation, Bebenimibo thanked Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro just as he promised to bring his wealth of experiences to bear.

Bebenimibo also promised to operate an “all embracing government,” stressing that he will seek the opinions of the people in Ijaw Communities before executing any projects and not just imposing any project which has no benefits to them.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu also assured that he will up his game just as he thanked the Governor for finding him worthy for this assignment.

He said, “I will deploy my strength and ability and ensure that the government achieve its set goals.”

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By Tega Odje

WARRI – A female Nigerian citizen, Mrs. Tega Shalokpe has cried out that her life is in danger for exposing fraudsters masquerading as members of the Delta State Committee for Defence of Human Rights, CDHR.

Shalokpe had on 13th June 2019 petitioned the Delta State Commissioner of Police about the activities of some CDHR members who act as cover up to internet fraudsters, but that the Warri Police Area Command has refused to transfer the file for action.

Shalokpe in a telephone call on Sunday alleged that her life is under threat as the Police Area Commander, ACP Garba is shielding the fraudsters and he is after her for exposing the fraudsters.

AccordIng to Shalokpe, “My cousin brother, Oduma David, who lives at Osubi   is nowhere to be found now because his life is under threat. Two friends (Freeborn and Onome Akpoghene) who are friends to my brother came to him that they want to transfer money to his friend’s account and that he should give them the friend’s account number in USA.

“David then asked them if it is not fraud related, they said it is not.  So he gave  them the account details,  after the money was transferred he discovered that it was fraud related transaction , and he informed them that he cannot cash out the money. So they started threatening him that He must cash out the money. He told them that bank has called to  say the money is fraud related, $20,000, he told them to reverse the money back to where it was sent from. They refused to reverse the money, so he told the bank to reverse the transaction.

“The bank then reversed the transaction and after that the two boys started disturbing him to bring the money. That David has spoilt their work, he told them that he does not have such money as the bank has reversed the transaction,  the two guys then went to connive with one Kelly, a member of CDHR and wrote a petition against my brother that he is into gun running,  so based on that the police from Ebrumede stormed his house while he was away and ransacked everywhere and arrested his younger brother.

“When we got to the station I told the DPO all that transpired and the DPO was shocked,  so I pleaded with the DPO to invite the petitioners so we can discuss in his office so he can investigate the truth, so on the 10th May we held the meeting, while there I told one of my younger brother to do discret recording of the proceedings.  So after the introduction I asked one of the boys to speak the truth of what transpired,  he narrated that he instructed that money be transferred to him, and after that the boy refused to cash the money rather he ordered reversal of the money.

“So i was angry with my brother and slapped him, in the process my shirt hooked the eyeglass of the CDHR guy and the glasses fell and broke. I was angry why CDHR member should work with fraudsters, I was angry with my brother too for mingling with such persons.  The OC Legal Warri and Barrister Erabor was in attendance,  they were angry with the guys for levelling such allegation against my brother.

“Kelly left, he then petitioned again to the Area Police Commander , I was angry and wrote a petition to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, on 13th June and signal  came from Asaba for transfer of the case file but the Area Commander refused I then petition Zone 5 and told them that the Area Commander refused to release the file, and that CDHR are registering fraudsters as their members to give them backing.

“Ever since then the Area Commander has held the file, only yesterday (Sunday ) I got information that Area Commander has ordered my arrest, the Area Commander wants to kill me, am calling on the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police to come to my aid.

Contacted on telephone, the Police Area Commander Warri ACP Garba said, “Come my brother do you know who you are taking to?  Me, one woman! Bring the woman to my office,  which woman are you talking about,  come with her to my office. Come to my office and  talk to me, don’t talk to me on phone, the way you are sounding as if you have concluded, if you have respect for me you will come to my office and say of a this and that is what I hear, I don’t investigate matters, I give  directives, if you really like me you will come to my office and say oga this is what I heard.” He shouted.

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has reacted to the suspension of operating licenses of the African Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, NBC.

PANDEF leader, Chief Edwin Clark, took a swipe at the Federal Government following the decision of the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, describing the action as an insult to the Niger Delta.

Clark slammed the President Muhammadu Buhari government for wielding the big stick against the Daar Communication, owners of the two broadcasting stations.

This was contained in a statement in Abuja by the National Secretary of PANDEF, Dr. Alfred Mulade.

The group described the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari as very hostile to the people of South South by seriously humiliating and harassing the sons and daughters from the zone.

PANDEF statement entitled ‘What Manner of Democracy’ read, “The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, continues to be amazed, indeed alarmed, at the current interpretation of the Letter and Spirit of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“There seems no end to the rabid rape of the Constitution, and the universal tenets of a Federal System, in the understanding of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, and his Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo, SAN, a Professor of Constitutional Law, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, at a time the State had conflict with the Federal Government of Nigeria, and a very senior Pastor, to boot!

“For them, every grain of the Nigerian territory belongs to them, brooking no other sensitivity, or sensibility, not to mention the Fundamental Human Rights of life, safety, economic, cultural and religious freedom, to mention but just a few.

“This year, alone, not yet half done, has witnessed an unconscionable assault on the Judiciary, one of the three arms of government of the foundational pillars of the Constitution, indeed, Democracy as classically defined, and universally practiced.

“The Administration has similarly brazenly and recklessly placed a heavy jack Boot on the spiritual and cultural emotion of the people in its treatment of the rights to religious assemblage, and the revered traditional institution. The Buhari/Osinbajo Administration has also not allowed the Economic Sector to be, for a seamless development of the country.

“The recent brutal summary closure of the African Independent Television, AIT, and Ray-Power broadcast outlets of DAAR Communications Limited, a private business company, providing employment, and a Democracy-strengthening Information and educational services, is yet another of the Government’s disdainful attitude to governance, with impunity backed by unconstitutional immunity.

“Before then, all in preparation for the 2019 elections it was the bitter experience of the Legislature, also Constitutional independent, another pillar of Democracy and Federalism, to attract the bellicose and intimidating attention of the Executive, a co-equal pillar of the foundation of the National architecture.

“PANDEF has taken a bit of time of reflection, and due process investigation of the AIT and Ray-Power debacle. PANDEF has found out that, from the Act establishing the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, and the propriety of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code, which is binding on the Broadcaster and the Regulator, the NBC is not assize with any iota of authority, which it is applying as naked power to act so arbitrarily. First, there is schedule of offences, and what range of corrective measure each should attract.

“We at PANDEF are keen and critical consumers of the media, mindful of how most Federal government actions have impacted, almost without exception on our parts of the country. We viewed the programmes in question, and strongly aver that none of them is, in any way, material, “Likely to cause breakdown of law and order”, to paraphrase the Code.

“With the Judiciary, the victim, Justice Walter Onnoghen, is our son; at the State Security Service, SSS, our son, Matthew Seiyefa, is the victim, in unfair retirements and promotion schemes, our sons are the victims; in allocation of resources, we are the least considered, if at all.

“What rattles one the most in the DAAR Communication Limited matter, is the rogue robe that the NBC has put on, trying to be more Catholic than the Pope. To that extent, PANDEF calls for a wholesome administrative, political and constitutional action on the entire Board and Management of the Commission, especially the Chairman, the Director-General, a Board Member, who, curiously, is a former Director-General of the Commission, and the Management/Directors divestly germane to this sordid action.

“Surprisingly, the Federal Ministry of Information, the co-ordinating office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and that of the Chief of Staff, who should be mindful of the rapacious consequences of such actions, to the personal image of the President and his Administration.

“PANDEF is baffled that, suddenly, the NBC has become the defender of the Judiciary, which is very well capable of employing its Constitutional mantle to fight its own fight.

“NBC under someone being tried for massive, putrid fraud is creating a South-South victim for rehabilitation, to blindfold the Country to such a sordid crime which, were he a South-South citizen, would have since led to dire action, indeed, imprisonment, by this Administration.

“This reminds one of the saying of Senator Shehu Sani, that Mr President in fighting corruption, uses insecticide on some and deodorant on others.

“It is obvious that the Federal Government regards the South-South Region as weakling and pushover. This is no longer acceptable to us. PANDEF expects DAAR Communications Limited to take every Constitutional step to assert its rights as a Corporate Citizen, and those of the thousands whose means of livelihood are now in peril, with dark consequences by the action of an alleged Lawbreaker, desperate to evade justice by misleading the Government in gross notoriety.

“PANDEF is awaiting with bated breath, the response of all the various indicted offices and persons in this macabre dance, to re-open the Broadcast Services of DAAR Communications Limited, with commensurate compensation for financial loses and emotional distressed cause the Company and staff, as well as viewers and listeners.

“PANDER recalls how Chief Dokpesi, permitted by the Court, to seek medical attention, urgently, was harassed, on his return, in a manner that could have caused a relapse of his health challenge.

“PANDEF recalls the brutish invasion of the Abuja residence of its Leader and father, Chief E. K. Clark, OFR, CON, a ninety-one year (at the time) Elderstatesman, in a manner tailored to destabilise him into dire consequences.

“Overall, PANDEF hold President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and this Administration to the statement credited to Mr President, recently, to the effect that he was ready to embark on, in his word, ‘True Federalism’.

“The actions of the Administration, even after that reported statement, run at 180 degree of its expected direction.

“The Head of a people funded statutory body, especially, at the Federal Level, is appointed in understanding that he, or she, would be, of an impeachable character, neutral, fair to all, without fear or favour.

“The man at the helm of affairs, currently at the NBC, is a renowned political flirt, chasing opportunism, acquiescing after every government in power, not minding the dizziness he inflicts on his associates, if any serious person would be so described.

“He rode to his present position on the crest of the popular euphoria of the then incoming Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki. But lo, and behold, he was, the first to write, vilifying him, as soon as Dr Saraki lost the Senatorial election. The language he employed cannot be replicated, in its rudeness and lack of respect for an elder and senior.

“Tķuuiiiijiumhis AIT and Ray-Power misadventure is an assault on the entire peoples of Nigeria, those in the Diaspora inclusive, because it tramples, brutally, on their ‘Right to Information.’

“It is anti-democratic, it is a rebellion against the Constitution; it is, as nearly always, targeted at the well-being of peoples of the Niger Delta, South-South Region. It is capable, and only likely, to lead our Dear Country in one direction, down, God forbid