Niger Delta
Eno Inaugurates 368 PAs
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has appointed and inaugurated 368 Personal Assistants (PAs) drawn from each of the political wards in the State.
He also appointed Prince Godwin Ntukudeh, as his Political Adviser, and Sir Udo Kerian Akpan, Arch Bishop Samuel Akpan, and Rt. Hon Henry Archibong as Honorary Special Advisers (Political) for Ikot Ekpene, Eket, and Uyo Senatorial Districts respectively.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of the 368 PAs held at Government House, Uyo, the Governor noted that the appointments of the aides was in fulfilment of his promise to return power to the people as professed in the slogan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He acknowledged that the process of selection might not have been perfect, as some persons might be unhappy, but assured that efforts have been made to accomodate as many people as possible in the running of the state.
The Governor reiterated that about 4000 people will be engaged as neighborhood Watchers, 40 sent for training in Songhai Farms in Porto-Novo, while about 400 will be given start-up grants, to enable them take off well after being trained by the Ibom LED Centre.
He advised the 368 PAs to see their selection as a privilege to serve, adding that the opportunity should be jealously guided and to the benefit of their wards.
Governor Eno, who advised the PAs to avoid creating crisis or joining any faction to weaken the ranks of the party, advised them to do everything possible to ensure that the PDP continues to grow stronger and better in their Wards.
In his words, “take this appointment as the grace of God, not that you are better than others. You have been brought by grace, and grace will teach you to be humble and disciplined. Follow my footsteps of respect for all and unite people in your ward”.
He emphasized that all the PAs must live within their communities, stressing that anyone found living outside his ward, would be delisted.
The Governor, who has repeatedly mentioned rural development as the major focus of his administration, said there is an existing law for Local government chairmen to live within their respective local government areas, adding that the law will be enforced accordingly.
He noted that the idea of having political office holders live within their local governments is to engender development in the rural areas.
Eno asked for patience, co-operation and continuous support, especially from the political stakeholders, saying there are plans and deliberate efforts to ensure that many are given their due.
Earlier in his remark, the State Chairman of the Party, Elder Aniekan Akpan, appreciated the Governor for the gesture and assured everyone that the names were carefully selected from residents within their communities.
Appreciating the Governor, one of the beneficiaries, Mr. Aniefiok Udo James, from Ibiakpan Obotim Ward II in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, said the gesture was unprecedented, and pledged their determination to work and ensure the success of the administration, especially at the grassroots level.
By: Christopher Tom, Uyo
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.