Akwa Ibom Government, Assembly Deny Claims Deputy Governor Sponsored Adultery Bill

The Akwa Ibom State Government has denied reports claiming that Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi sponsored an adultery bill before the State House of Assembly, describing the allegation as false and misleading. The reports had alleged that the Assembly passed a bill criminalising sexual relationships with married men and that it was sponsored by the Deputy Governor. Reacting in a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, said: “This claim is entirely false, misleading, and without any factual basis.” He clarified that Senator Eyakenyi neither sponsored the bill nor had any knowledge of it. Umanah explained that the Deputy Governor, as a member of the State Executive Council, does not have the constitutional authority to independently sponsor legislation. “Any executive bill must first be considered and approved by the Executive Council before being transmitted to the legislature,” he stated. He added that the alleged bill did not originate from any official executive or legislative source and urged the public to disregard the report. While restating the government’s opposition to immoral conduct, Umanah warned those spreading false information to “desist from linking the Deputy Governor to baseless and unverifiable claims,” and advised residents to rely on official government channels for accurate information. The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly also dismissed the claim, describing it as a fabricated Facebook post attributed to Obiavel Albert Abigo. In a separate statement, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Jerry Anson Otu, said: “The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly wishes to categorically state that this report is entirely false and has no basis in fact. The Assembly has not received or considered any such bill, and the Deputy Governor has not sponsored it.” Otu condemned attempts to tarnish the image of the Deputy Governor and the Assembly, urging the public to ignore the report. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to its constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it “would not be distracted by mischievous attempts to undermine its integrity.”

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Akwa Ibom Governor Unveils Land, Apartment, Music Studio And Monthly Allowance For Visually Impaired Gospel Singer Chris Vic

Akwa Ibom Governor Pastor Umo Eno has unveiled a transformative support package for gospel singer Chris Vic, who rose to national prominence after finishing third in the De9ja Spirit Talent Hunt. In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Governor Eno outlined plans to provide the singer with a prime plot of land in Uyo, the state capital, where a four-bedroom apartment will be constructed. The Certificate of Occupancy is expected to be officially handed over next week. Beyond housing, the governor announced ₦100 million to establish a fully equipped music studio for Chris Vic, stressing that the funding is separate from the cost of the land and apartment. Additionally, the singer will receive a monthly allowance of ₦1 million throughout Governor Eno’s tenure. “I have directed the Commissioner for Lands to allocate a plot of land in Uyo to Chris Vic, and I will sign the Certificate of Occupancy next week. We will also build him a four-bedroom flat and commit ₦100 million to set up his music studio. This is separate from the cost of the land and the house. In addition, as long as I remain Governor, he will receive a monthly allowance of ₦1 million,” the governor said. Governor Eno described the initiative as a reflection of both divine faithfulness and human resilience. He said Chris Vic’s journey is a powerful reminder that hope and praise can thrive even in adversity, and reassured persons with disabilities that his administration remains committed to their welfare. Chris Vic, who lost his eyesight at five following a failed glaucoma surgery, shared in a recent interview that music became both his refuge and calling, inspiring him to develop the talent he believes was divinely given.

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Akwa Ibom Man Arrested For Violating Statewide Masquerade Ban

The Akwa Ibom State Police have arrested David Effiong, an indigene of the state, for allegedly causing a public disturbance while dressed in full masquerade attire, despite a standing ban on such activities. Residents reported on Tuesday that a masquerader was creating chaos and allegedly damaging property in the community, prompting police action. The arrest is part of intensified enforcement of Governor Pastor Umo Eno’s statewide ban on public masquerade displays, aimed at curbing violence, intimidation, and property destruction linked to masqueraders. Confirming the arrest, Commissioner of Police Baba Azare said Effiong would be prosecuted in court. Governor Eno had issued the ban, emphasizing the need for public safety. “By my office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, anyone caught violating this order will be arrested and tried. Masquerades have been used to terrorize communities, and this ends now,” he said. He further directed security agencies, saying, “As Chief Security Officer of the state, I instruct the Commissioner of Police and other security heads to apprehend and prosecute anyone breaching this directive. Peace must be restored, and public safety upheld. Masquerade activities are hereby banned across the state.”

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Akwa Ibom Governor Imposes Indefinite Ban On Masquerade Displays Over Criminal Activities

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has imposed an indefinite ban on public appearances by masquerades in the state, following a surge in attacks on residents by criminals disguised as masquerades. Speaking at a state event yesterday, Governor Eno said the ban is necessary to protect citizens and maintain peace. “By my office as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, I’m issuing an order. Anyone caught will be arrested and tried. They have been using it to cause trouble in some local government areas,” he stated. He further directed security agencies to enforce the ban, saying, “As Chief Security Officer of the state, I am instructing the Commissioner of Police and other heads of security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone caught. Let’s stop terrorising people. Let people have peace. All those I see when we’re driving, please let it be said it is hereby banned. No more.” The State Police Command has expressed concern over the rise in criminal masquerade activities. Commissioner of Police Baba Azare confirmed that several suspects have been apprehended and are currently facing trial.

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Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Dismisses Two Aides Amid Restructuring

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has relieved two of his aides from their positions, the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, announced on Monday. According to Uwah, the move is part of the administration’s “ongoing restructuring exercise to align the machinery of government with the objectives of the Renewed Hope and Arise Agenda,” and Governor Eno has approved their immediate disengagement. The aides affected are Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, and Felix Ekuri, Senior Special Assistant on Neighbourhood Watch. While the official explanation points to administrative restructuring, sources indicate that the decision may be linked to their attendance at the recent national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the weekend. Both officials were originally appointed by former Governor Udom Emmanuel and were reportedly close to him. Attempts to obtain comments from Ikpak and Ekuri were unsuccessful, as their phones were reportedly switched off.

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Akwa Ibom Village Head Suspended Over Alleged Terrorism and Market Looting

The Akwa Ibom State Government has suspended Chief Monday Esu, the Village Head of Ikot Umo Essien in Essien Udim Local Government Area, over allegations of terrorism and criminal misconduct. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong, announced the suspension Wednesday, stating that it will last six months to allow for a thorough investigation into the claims against Esu. According to the commissioner, the village head is accused of sponsoring the destruction and theft of property at newly built blocks of shops in the Ikot Ekpenyong community market. Reports indicate that hoodlums, allegedly from Ikot Umo Essien, vandalized and looted the shops, which were constructed as a constituency project by former Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency representative Mr Nsikak Ekong in February 2024. The attackers also damaged a Fadama-funded borehole and VIP lavatory, seizing items including aluminium roofing sheets, windows, doors, overhead tanks, a water pump, and a generator. Residents were reportedly left living in fear following the incident. Preliminary investigations have named Chief Esu as the prime suspect. He has been ordered to surrender all government property in his possession to the village council secretary.

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Nigerian Army Officer Dies After Allegedly Being Set On Fire By Wife In Akwa Ibom

A Nigerian Army officer, Lieutenant Samson Haruna, has tragically died from severe burns after allegedly being set on fire by his wife during a domestic dispute in Akwa Ibom State. According to reports, the incident occurred following an argument between the couple inside their apartment at the army barracks. The wife reportedly poured fuel on Lieutenant Haruna before igniting him in a fit of rage. Neighbours, alarmed by his screams, rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the flames before taking him to the hospital, where he fought for his life for several days before succumbing to his injuries. Lieutenant Haruna was described by colleagues as a disciplined and calm soldier, making his death even more heartbreaking. Sources indicate that the couple had a history of frequent conflicts prior to the fatal incident. The wife has been arrested and is currently in police custody as investigations into the case continue. The incident has drawn widespread shock and sorrow online, with many Nigerians condemning domestic violence and calling for greater awareness and preventive measures. Lieutenant Haruna’s death has left the army community and the public mourning a tragic and senseless loss.  

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Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Orders Dissolution Of All State Boards And Commissions

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved all statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state with immediate effect. The Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, announced the decision on Thursday in Uyo, explaining that it was made under the Statutory Boards (Special Provisions) Law, 2023. “The governor wishes members of the dissolved boards and commissions success in their future endeavours and commends them for their contributions to advancing the ARISE agenda,” Uwah said. Chairpersons of the affected agencies have been instructed to hand over all government property in their possession to the most senior officer in their respective organisations. Governor Eno had earlier hinted at the move during a media briefing marking the 37th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State in 2024, assuring that commissioners and board members would not be caught off guard. He also announced plans to hold a valedictory session to honor their service and contributions to the state’s development.  

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