News
Non-conduct of SE re-run by INEC: Rights Group smells anarchy
The leadership of International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law (Intersociety) has lamented the failure of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conducted re-run elections in the Southeast.
This was contained in a letter addressed to INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmud Yakubu.
Intersociety expressed disgust over the perceived nonchalance of INEC over non-conduct of outstanding legislative reruns in Imo, Anambra and Rivers State.
Intersociety was supported by Southeast Based Coalition of Human Rights Organizations (SBCHROs).
The letter titled “Non-Conduct Of Outstanding Legislative Reruns In Imo, Anambra & Rivers States Is An Invitation To Anarchy” is presented below:
The Chairman (Prof Mahmud Yakubu)
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
INEC National Headquarters
Plot 436 Zambezi Crescent, Maitama District
FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
Sir,
NON-CONDUCT OF OUTSTANDING LEGISLATIVE RERUNS IN IMO, ANAMBRA & RIVERS STATES IS AN INVITATION TO ANARCHY
The leadership of International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law (Intersociety); supported by the Southeast Based Coalition of Human Rights Organizations (SBCHROs), comprising:
– Anambra State Branch of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO),
– Center for Human Rights & Peace Advocacy (CHRPA),
– Human Rights Club (a project of LRRDC)(HRC),
– Forum for Justice, Equity & Defense of Human Rights (FJEDHR),
– Society Advocacy Watch Project (SPAW),
– Anambra Human Rights Forum (AHRF),
– Southeast Good Governance Forum (SGGF),
– International Solidarity for Peace & Human Rights Initiative (ITERSOLIDARITY),
– Igbo Ekunie Initiative (pan Igbo rights advocacy group), and,
– Intersociety,
write your electoral Commission concerning the issue captioned and underlined above.
It is recalled Sir, that Nigeria had on 28th of March 2015 held federal legislative election into the country’s existing 469 federal legislative seats; made up of 109 senatorial seats and 360 federal house of reps seats.
By the country’s 1999 Constitution and its Electoral Act of 2010, judicial enquiries into any dispute associated with the outcome of any legislative poll so conducted, must end in eight months or within eight months; starting from 21 days after the official announcement of the results.
The available laws further provide for conduct of a post-election rerun or related others in 90 days or within 90 days, on account of nullification of the original poll and ordering of new one by a court of last instance (i.e. Court of Appeal).
That is to say those legal disputes associated with the conduct of polls into the country’s 469 federal legislative seats on 28th of March 2015, mandatorily commenced in April 2015 and mandatorily concluded in December 2015 (six months of procedural proceedings plus two months of appellate proceedings).
Meanwhile, the appellate court that ordered reruns or related others must be commenced and concluded in March 2016.
These laws and judicial orders have been observed in gross breach by your electoral Commission till date.
It, therefore, saddens our heart that over 12 months after the country’s federal legislative poll was conducted, a number of outstanding reruns abound.
Presently at the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, five Senatorial Districts with combined electoral population of 10million to 15million have been denied quality and deliberative legislative representation since December 2015.
Similar sad fate has befallen other vacant House of Reps seats particularly those in Rivers State.
All the five vacant Senatorial District seats and those of the House of Reps in Rivers State are in the realm of “primus inter pares” or first among equals; considering their strategic importance to national cohesion, unity and development.
As important as Rivers State is to the country’s national wealth and politics, yet it does not have serving Senators till date; likewise Anambra State and its Central Senatorial District and Imo State and its North or Okigwe Senatorial District.
There are no legal, administrative or political excuses that can impeach the right of the people of the areas to enjoy quality and deliberative representation at the National Assembly of Nigeria.
The right of a people to vote is sacrosanct, constitutional and justiciable.
Sir, as Your Commission is aware, there is still outstanding Senatorial rerun for the Imo North (Okigwe) Senatorial District.
Your Commission (INEC) was mandated by the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division to conduct a rerun election into the seat nullified by the Court on 11th of December 2015.
The Court, in addition to nullification of the election of Senator Athan Nneji Achonu as Senator for the Senatorial District; further ordered Your Commission to conduct a rerun into the vacant seat in 90 days or within 90 days, which expired on 11th of March 2016.
Till date, Your Commission has observed these judicial orders in gross breach.
The electoral fate of the electorates of the Imo North (Okigwe) Senatorial District has remained at crossroads following Your Commission’s adamant refusal to fix a new date for the rerun.
The Anambra Central Senatorial Rerun is also outstanding till date.
The Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, had on 6th of December 2015 nullified the election of Senator Uche Ekwunife and ordered Your Commission to conduct a Senatorial rerun into the vacant seat in 90 days or within 90 days.
The 90 days court order within which Your Commission was mandated to conduct the rerun expired on 6th of March 2016.
Instead of Your Commission retaining its role as a neutral third party or disinterested third party/referee:
– the Commission became grossly partisan,
– featuring as a plaintiff party in a politically motivated and ill-conceived appellate suit,
– questioning the grounded decision of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on 1st of March 2016, which rightly ordered the Commission to include “wrongly excluded parties and their candidates” in the Court-ordered rerun.
The Court ruling, delivered by Hon Justice Anwuli Chikere also set aside INEC’s public notice titled INEC/SEC/314’ of February 1, 2016, which excluded the plaintiff (PDP) and its would-be candidate from participating in the court-ordered fresh election for the Anambra Central Senatorial seat.
It is fifty (50) days today (1st of March to 20th of April 2016) since the grounded judgment was given and its consequential order made, yet nothing has been heard of Your Commission’s politically motivated and ill-conceived appeal.
Deducting fourteen days traditionally allowed for filing of appeal, thirty (30) days have further elapsed and your Commission has not bordered about collective socio-political consequences of deprivation of people’s rights to choose their leaders and to be numerically and adequately represented legislatively.
We are still at total loss as how the inclusion of relevant parties in the rerun poll as rightly ordered by the Court will harm the Commission or hamper its delivery of popular and credible poll and its outcome.
It appears the Commission has allowed itself to be remote-controlled and stampeded by some malicious and riotous political actors.
As if this was not enough, INEC went further to announce indefinite postponement of the Rerun just as it has done in Rivers (senatorial and house of reps) and Imo (senatorial) reruns.
In Rivers State, there are still outstanding reruns involving Rivers South-West, Rivers South-East and Rivers East Senatorial District seats as well as nine House of Reps seats.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division had on 10th and 11th of December 2015, respectively, nullified the elections of three former Senators:
– Osinakachukwu Idoezu (Rivers South-West),
– John Olaka-Nwogo (Rivers South-East), and,
– George Thompson Sekibo (Rivers East, sacked by same Appellate Court on 10th of December 2015)
and ordered Your Commission to conduct reruns into the three seats in 90 days or within 90 days. The 90 days court order expired on 10th and 11th of March 2016.
In the case of nine House of Reps seats, their elections, alongside others were nullified by the same Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on 12th of December 2015.
The 90 days court order within which to conduct their reruns expired on 12th of March 2016.
Till date, Rivers State, with about seven million people, has no Senatorial representation at the Senate and nine of its 13 House of Reps seats are currently vacant on account of failure and incompetence of Your Commission to conduct and conclude reruns into the vacant seats.
Sir, in case Your Commission (INEC) has forgotten, as a constitutionally established executive body of the Federation by virtue of Section 153 (1) (f) of the 1999 Constitution with fully staffed departments including legal department; INEC is not permitted by law to operate above the law or undermine the laws of the land or constitute a serious threat to Nigeria’s pluralist democracy.
As a matter of fact all the policies, pronouncements and conducts of the entire 17,500 top public office holders in Nigeria include Your Commission (INEC) and your office; are expressly subject to judicial reviews and pronouncements particularly by the High Courts of the 36 States and the FCT; the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Very importantly Sir, all authorities and persons in Nigeria holding judicial, executive and legislative offices at the Federal, State and Local Government levels; by virtue of Section 13 of the 1999 Constitution are firmly directed by Sections 287 (1), 287 (2) and 287 (3) of the Constitution to conform and obey as follows:
– Section 287 (1): “the decisions of the Supreme Court of Nigeria are final and shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdictions to that of the Supreme Court”;
– Section 287 (2), “the decisions of the Court of Appeal shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdictions to that of the Court of Appeal”; and,
– Section 287 (3),“the decisions of the Federal High Court, a (State and FCT) High Court and of all other courts established by this Constitution shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by other courts of law with subordinate jurisdictions to that of the Federal High Court, a (State and FCT) High Court and those other courts, respectively.”
Apart from our sadness concerning the above clear threat to Nigeria’s pluralist democracy arising from Your Commission’s highly despicable and widely condemned conducts, widely considered as a clear invitation to anarchy, we further express fears that the independence and impartiality of Your Commission are challenged and threatened by malicious political actors, traders and entities.
This is further worsened by the fact that Your Commission, till date, is not properly constituted as well as failure of Your Commission to tame the scourge of political parasitism, which continues to threaten the Commission’s independence, impartiality and neutrality particularly during recruitment of substantive and ad hoc staffs and during the conduct of elections proper.
Sad events trailing Your Commission’s recent turbulent and inconclusive reruns in Rivers State are a clear case in point.
As we rap up this informed letter of ours, something very important worthy of mention, surfaces and we ask as follows:
How come outstanding reruns and FCT municipal polls were recently conducted and concluded by your Commission in Osun State and Abuja (FCT), yet the Commission has adamantly refused to fix new dates and conduct reruns for those of Rivers (three senatorial and nine house of reps seats), Imo (Okigwe or Imo North senatorial seat) and Anambra (Anambra Central senatorial seat)?
Is it not correct to say that Your Commission is reluctant to conduct the outstanding reruns in the affected areas for political reasons (i.e. they are perceived to be the federally opposition party strongholds likely to be won by same if conducted)?
Could it have been the same if they are in the areas perceived as federally ruling party strongholds?
Are there remote or immediate links between adamant refusal by Your Commission (using legal and administrative excuses) to conduct and conclude the outstanding reruns in Rivers, Imo and Anambra States; and a number of controversial executive proxy bills laying before the National Assembly waiting for majority numerical voting to be passed into law?
Specifically, do all these have to do with the highly controversial “National Fulani Nomadic Grazing Reserves Bill”?
Are those outstanding reruns being delayed deliberatively to castrate anticipated opposition party and moderate ruling party’s voting strength and opposition to the highly divisive, incoherent, primordial, controversial, and inter-ethno-religious provoking Bill?
Is Your Commission truly independent and separated from the federally ruling and opposition parties’ grips?
Finally, we call on Your Commission to reverse itself as a matter of uttermost immediacy and extreme public importance.
INEC must not only fix new dates for the outstanding reruns immediately but also apologize to all Nigerians and the electorates of the nine federal constituencies and three senatorial districts in Rivers State as well as those of Imo North and Anambra Central senatorial districts.
We also demand that Your Commission must file notices of withdrawal in its politically motivated and ill-conceived appeal before the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division challenging the Federal High Court judgment baring the Commission from excluding the plaintiff and its would-be candidate in the Anambra Central Senatorial rerun.
INEC must also distance itself from any other Court matter, appeal or cross-appeal where the Commission may have filed cross appeals, main appeals or fresh cases; deemed popularly as attempts to scuttle democratic process with its anarchical consequences as well as to deny the affected electorates their inalienable rights to choose their leaders and to be adequately and numerically represented legislatively.
Your Commission must, henceforth, obey all the laws of the land and submit to all judicial consequential pronouncements in Nigeria.
The Commission must at all times desist from being seen or perceived publicly as partisan and ensure that it conducts an all-inclusive and participatory poll irrespective of candidates or political parties of any national, sectional or ethno-religious camp.
Voters must be allowed to choose their best candidates at all times through popular and credible balloting.
To add more salt to injury, INEC this morning (21st of April 2016), hardened its position by saying that “it is not in a hurry to conduct outstanding reruns in Rivers State (and by extension, Imo and Anambra Senatorial reruns) until its conditions (security) are met”.
Again, whose responsibility is it to ensure security of the rerun poll and the electorates in Rivers State?
Is it the people of Rivers State or INEC and federal security establishments?
If Prof Mahmud Yakubu is unable and unwilling to conduct and conclude Rivers, Imo and Anambra federal legislative reruns before 20th of May 2016, we will have no other option than to stimulate public pressure to force him resign as INEC chairman.
Following is the LINK TO INEC’S STATEMENT UNDER REFERENCE.
For: International Society for Civil Liberties & the Rule of Law (Intersociety)
Emeka Umeagbalasi, Board Chairman
Mobile Line: +2348174090052; Email: info@intersociety-ng.org
Chinwe Umeche, Esq., Head, Democracy & Good Governance Program
Mobile Line: +2347013238673
Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Esq., Head, Civil Liberties & Rule of Law Program
Mobile Line: +2348180771506; Website: www.intersociety-ng.org
Secretariat: 41, Miss Elems Street, Fegge Urban City, Onitsha, Southeast Nigeria
Adopted & Supported by Following Affiliate Group-Members of Southeast Based Coalition of Human Rights Organizations (SBCHROs):
Comrade Aloysius Attah (+2348035090548)
For: Anambra State Branch of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO)
Comrade Peter Onyegiri (+2347036892777)
For: Center for Human Rights & Peace Advocacy (CHRPA)
Comrade Samuel Njoku (+2348039444628)
For: Human Rights Club (a project of LRRDC) (HRC)
Comrade Justus Uche Ijeoma(+2348037114869)
For: Forum for Justice, Equity & Defense of Human Rights (FJEDHR)
Comrade Chike Umeh ( +2348064869601)
For: Society Advocacy Watch Project (SPAW)
Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Esq. (+2348034186332)
For: Anambra Human Rights Forum AHRF)
Comrade Alex Olisa(+2348034090410)
For: Southeast Good Governance Forum (SGGF)
Jerry Chukwuokolo, PhD (+2348035372962)
For: International Solidarity for Peace & Human Rights Initiative (ITERSOLIDARITY)
Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke (+447748612933)
For: Igbo Ekunie Initiative (pan Igbo rights advocacy group)
CC:
President of Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki
Speaker of the House of Reps, Hon Adamu Yakubu Dogara
—
© Copyright 2015 www.elombah.com. Send eyewitness accounts/reports/articles to publisher@elombah.com; follow us on twitter handle @Elombah; like our Facebook page: “Elombah.com”
News
PHOTO: NDLEA Arrests Widow for Cocaine Trafficking with Fake Pregnancy

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 50-year-old widow in Lagos for allegedly attempting to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine while pretending to be pregnant.
The suspect, identified as Mrs. Ifeoma Ezewuike, was picked up by NDLEA operatives at the Jibowu bus terminal in Yaba on Friday, August 22, 2025.
She was reportedly on her way to Abuja to deliver the consignment when she was intercepted.
According to the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Ezewuike runs a fashion outfit known as Golden Star Creation along Ago Palace Way in Okota.
A subsequent raid on her home led to the recovery of 200 grams of a cutting agent commonly used in the preparation of cocaine.
“In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband, who died two years ago, although she has been in the fashion business for over two decades,” Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Other Major Seizures
The arrest was one of several drug operations carried out by the agency in the past week.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted 90 parcels of loud a potent strain of cannabis hidden inside three cartons of kitchen sinks.
The shipment, weighing 48.6kg, was traced to a courier company and had reportedly been imported from the United States.
In Adamawa, a raid on the home of a suspected drug kingpin, Idris Garba, forced the dealer to flee by scaling a fence. His associate, 55-year-old Boniface Nnaji, was not as lucky.
He was arrested in Yola South while attempting to escape.
NDLEA said Nnaji drove into the city with 354,480 pills of tramadol concealed in a Toyota Thundra jeep (FST-885-CZ) and a Toyota Yaris (DSA 776 AA), both of which were impounded.
The agency also arrested another suspect, Neche Okonkwo, at Idah waterside in Kogi State.
He was caught after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra State, with 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 ampoules of diazepam injections.
Across several states, NDLEA operatives continued their clampdown on cannabis cultivation.
In Taraba, officers working with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) destroyed 7,500kg of skunk grown on three hectares of farmland in Dadin Kowa village, Bali.
Another 901kg was recovered from a warehouse in Uzebba, Edo State, where a 54-year-old woman, Fodo Stella Sunday, was arrested.
In Edo, 14,233kg of cannabis was destroyed across four plantations in Owan West Local Government Area.
In Delta, operatives, backed by the military, cleared 25,500kg of cannabis grown on 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu, Ndokwa West.
In Ondo, 25,025kg of cannabis was destroyed on three farms in Uso.
NDLEA described the series of arrests and seizures as evidence of its renewed pressure on drug syndicates operating across the country.
“These operations reflect our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and preventing dangerous substances from reaching our communities,” Babafemi said.
Ezewuike and other arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Analysis
Why Penis Size Does Not Affect Performance, Fertility — Experts

For countless men, penis size stirs deep anxiety fed by social media, locker-room banter, and pressure from adult content.
But sex experts and urologists agree: size rarely determines sexual function or fertility.
In a revealing conversation with PUNCH Healthwise, clinical sexologist Cecilia Agu and consultant urologist Dr. Gabriel Ogah broke down the myths emphasizing emotional connection, overall health, and sperm quality as far more meaningful indicators of sexual well-being.
Sexual Satisfaction Lies Beyond Size
Agu, who specializes in human sexology, has heard the insecurities countless times. Yet she insists that the fixation on size overshadows what truly matters in intimate relationships.
“Women value intimacy, chemistry, and creativity not centimeters,” she explained, her tone both compassionate and pragmatic.
“In most cases, size doesn’t determine performance or biological capacity. Only rare, clinically significant conditions impact size.”
She points to societal myths that equate larger size with virility.
“Historic portrayals in art and literature, and today’s media, amplify stereotypes. Pornography exaggerates, turning a normal variation into unreasonable expectations.”
Agu also cautioned against the booming market selling “enhancement” remedies.
“That industry profits off insecurity peddling pills, gadgets, and herbal supplements with no proven benefit.
The real dilemma lies in emotional weariness, not physical deficiency.”
She acknowledged true medical conditions like micropenis, often linked to hormonal or genetic causes but emphasized their rarity.
“Anyone worried about hormonal imbalances or developmental issues should seek professional evaluation,” she advised.
“Fertility Is Unrelated to Size” Dr. Gabriel Ogah
Dr. Ogah, a respected urologist, offered a no-nonsense medical perspective on the fertility question.
“A small penis doesn’t reduce a man’s ability to impregnate a woman,” he stated firmly.
“If sperm is healthy and ejaculation occurs, fertilization can happen.”
He added that many young men consult him out of anxiety sparked by unrealistic comparisons.
“Almost always, their size falls within healthy norms. It’s undue stress, fueled by exposure to distorted media portrayals.”
Dr. Ogah also debunked the idea that older men can “restore” diminishing function through enhancement products.
“As absurd as it sounds, many try. But no pill or serum can permanently alter anatomy.
These are myths masquerading as solutions.”
So What Truly Matters?
Both experts agree: prioritizing overall health, emotional intimacy, and stress-free communication far outweighs anxiety over size.
Agu stressed that sex is about connection, not metrics. “Being nervous about measurements sets couples up for dissatisfaction.
But when you focus on pleasure, emotional safety, and experimentation, the experience transforms.”
Dr. Ogah echoed this, emphasizing regular health check-ups. “Good cardiovascular health, balanced hormones, and mental well-being are key. Size doesn’t affect that.”
Dispelling the Myths, Sustaining the Confidence
As myths dissolve under scientific clarity, a bigger concern emerges: how do we nurture a culture free of body shaming? Agu proposed educational steps.
“We should teach young people that anatomy varies. Performance is multi-dimensional. Communication trumps comparison every time.”
Dr. Ogah endorsed that sentiment. “Let’s shift the narrative. Appreciate function over form. Listen to your body, and care for it through healthy living.”
Performance Isn’t About Inches
Size remains largely irrelevant when partners are emotionally in sync, focused on connection, and attuned to shared pleasure.
Fertility hinges on sperm health not size.
Medical concerns like micropenis are rare, but deserve medical evaluation.
Media, culture, and marketing distort reality. Let’s counter that with facts.
Confidence and sexual well-being stem from health, honesty, and intimacy not obsession with size.
In the end, as Agu beautifully summed up, “It’s not the size it’s how you share it.” That truth holds far more value than any number on a measuring tape.
News
I’m Not Desperate to Be President – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said he is more interested in building a better Nigeria than in becoming president at all costs.
Atiku made this known on Saturday during an affirmation ceremony in Lagos for new defectors to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The event saw several political heavyweights from the PDP and Labour Party officially announce their defection to the ADC.
The former PDP candidate, who recently resigned from the party along with other opposition politicians, formally joined the ADC in what he described as a “movement for national renewal.”
Speaking at the event, Atiku said his focus was not personal ambition but the pursuit of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria,” said Olateju, who spoke on behalf of Atiku.
“It’s not about him being president at all costs. It’s about having a government that can truly deliver for Nigerians.”
According to him, the ADC should not be seen merely as a political party but as a movement dedicated to national transformation.
“It’s no longer politics as usual. This is a new beginning for Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing,” he added.
Atiku further noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and rising inflation have left many Nigerians struggling.
He stressed that only good leadership could deliver lasting solutions.
He also said the coalition was confident that God would use them to bring meaningful change to Nigeria.
On who would likely emerge as the ADC presidential candidate in 2027, Atiku insisted the choice would be left to party members.
“Whoever emerges through a free and fair contest, we will all support. We are not imposing anyone,” he said.
“The point is not Atiku for president at all costs, or Obi for president at all costs. The point is Nigeria.
Whoever picks the ticket will represent the collective voice and aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he added.
Prominent defectors present at the event included PDP Board of Trustees member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and former PDP Youth Leader Mr. Tai Benedict, among others.
They were received by top ADC leaders, including National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and Lagos State Chairman George Ashiru.
News
Town Square Meetings: Gov Eno empowers 7688 Akwa Ibomites As Series End
... approves dual carriage way from Afaha Offiong - Itreto Road

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has concluded the 6-month Town Square Meeting/Empowerment series, with a visit to Etinan Federal Constituency where he said no fewer than 7688 citizens across the State have benefited from grants for farming, trading, equipment support, cars and mini buses worth over N10 billion.
The series, which began in Abak Federal Constituency with 833 beneficiaries, continued in Oron with 980, Eket with 1,076, Ikot Ekpene with 664 and 540 in Ikot Abasi federal constituencies.
411 and 677 people also benefited in Ukanafun and Itu Federal Constituencies, respectively, while 1,187 and 476 beneficiaries were recorded from Uyo and Ikono Federal Constituencies.
Speaking during the grand finale held at Nsit Ubium Council Secretariat, Ikot Edibon, the Governor said 844 from Etinan Federal Constituency were beneficiaries of N361, 450, 000 worth of grants for the different empowerment packages.
He said all the beneficiaries were harvested from the ARISE portal. He urged everyone, especially youths, to take advantage of the portal to benefit from Government initiatives, including procurement, employment, empowerment and others.
According to him, the State under his leadership will not give slots to individuals, but will continue to ensure a level playing field for all citizens irrespective of social status, stressing that everyone should have equal opportunity.
He said, though the Town Square meeting had ended, his committed service to Akwa Ibom State will continue, adding that the needs document for Etinan Federal Constituency, as well as all others across the State, had been received and will be accommodated accordingly in the 2026 budget, based on the availability of funds.
The Governor said all local government areas have benefited from one project or the other at various stages of completion.
He said youth centres will be built in all the local government areas across the State, and urged local government chairmen to make land available for the project.
Governor Eno, who reiterated his support for local government autonomy, said that to ensure that local government chairmen reside within their communities, official residences will be built for all local government chairmen across the State.
He appreciated everyone for taking part in the town square meetings, and specifically appreciated the people of Etinan Federal Constituency for their overwhelming turnout and heroic reception, and directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga to facilitate the design for the award of contract for a dual carriageway from Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area to Itreto in Nsit Ubium.
Governor Eno who is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, urged all members and intending ones to participate in the ongoing membership registration/revalidation, as well as in the Continuous Voter registration that has just been started by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He warned youths against insulting leaders, stressing that Akwa Ibom is progressively united in support of President Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio, and of course, his return to Hilltop Mansion, come 2027.
In his tone setting, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the meeting was a homecoming for a worthy son of the Federal Constituency who has been fruitful and has served creditably well.
In their separate remarks, General Paul Isang (rtd), Otuekong Sunny Jackson, and Obong Umana Okon Umana said they were proud to identify with the laudable achievements of the Governor, adding that he has done creditably well and deserves a second term.
On his part, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk appreciated the Governor for making them proud through impactful service, and prayed for more grace upon him to do more for Etinan Federal Constituency and the State at large.
Also speaking, members of the State Executive Council, led by Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, appreciated the Governor for his people-centric governance and for appointing them to be part of his cabinet, and assured them of continuous support beyond 2027.
Also speaking on behalf of local government chairmen from the Constituency, Chairman of Nsit Ubium LGA, Hon Alfred Charles, said God has made them proud with impactful leadership.
Presenting the empowerment packages on behalf of the State government, the State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo said he was not surprised by the sea of heads at the event, stressing that it was not just a statement, but a vote of confidence and endorsement for the Governor.
High point of the event was the adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno as sole candidates for the office of President and Governor in the 2027 elections, following a motion moved by Rt Hon Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon Eric Akpan.
News
2027 polls: Etinan Federal Constituency endorses Tinubu, Eno
...as Gov. Eno doles out N361m to business owners, farmers, others

In what turned out to be a climax in a season of appreciation and endorsements, the People of Etinan Federal Constituency have reaffirmed their solidarity to the Government of Pst Umo Eno,PhD, and have pledged their resolve to support his re-election, and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
This is as the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has doled out N361,450,000 to 844 persons from Etinan Federal Constituency.
The donation comes in the form of farmers grants, traders grant, equipment support, MSMEs, cars and mini buses beneficiaries.
At what was tagged a grand finale in the series of Town Square meetings between the Governor and his people, held at the Nsit Ubium Council Headquarters ground in Ikot Edibon, the people unanimously voted in support of the continuation of the Governor in office.
The Governor had thanked the people for the massive turnout saying “it is organic, spontaneous and electrifying.”
He said having received the needs documents from all the federal constituencies, he was going to select the very critical ones for inclusion in the 2026 budget, noting that some could still be captured in the remaining part of the subsisting budget.
The Governor said the recent Impact Assessment Summit organized by his government, afforded everyone opportunity of seeing that every local government in the State has been positively affected by his administration, but added that where gaps were noticed, corrections would be effected.
On his policy of establishing Youth Friendly Centers in all the local government areas, the Governor urged local council chairmen to each, avail him of 1000sq meter of land for the project, and also harped on the essence of encouraging youths in computer training.
Following the premises laid by speakers at the event, a voice vote was moved by the Nsit Ubium State Constituency lawmaker, Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon Eric Akpan of Nsit Ibom State Constituency with the people affirming their decision to support the All Progressives Congress and its candidates Governor Eno and President Tinubu.Speaking, stakeholders of the federal constituency, through their Political Leader, Senator Effiong Bob, held that Governor Eno’s performance had endeared him to the people of the entire State, insisting that, “if you were not a good governor they would not have accepted you”.
“We are not here to speak about what are you doing, or what you have not done, or what you are about to do, because we know that you have done your best within these two years.
Sen Bob who was confirming the position of the earlier speakers at the event, Chief Sunny Jackson Udo, Mr Umana Umana and Hen Paul Isang,Rtd, said, “You have 8 yrs mandate, so your mandate will be judged at the end of 8 yrs, but for the two years, you have done so much for our people as had been said in the programme”, he said wooing for support for President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Governor.
On his part, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, acknowledged that God has used the Governor to accomplish much for the State.
He said the huge crowd was a true reflection of the love and confidence of his people in him.
“As royal fathers, our role is to guide and advise, and in that spirit, I thank you sincerely for all you are doing for the sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State. We are confident that you will not let your people down.
“We are proud to identify with you, to support you, and to pray for your continued success. Already, you have been named the Best Performing Governor in Nigeria, and we encourage you to keep up the good work so that you will continue to win even greater honors”, the monarch added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Alfred Charles, on behalf of the three chairmen in the constituency, hailed the Governor as “the pride of Etinan Federal Constituency”, assuring that the constituency would stand solidly behind him all the way.
This was corroborated by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, who spoke on behalf of members of the State Executive Council from the constituency.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah, described the Governor as a compassionate and inclusive leader, as well as the best performing Governor in Nigeria, who in just two years, has earned the love of his people and a doctoral degree in learning.
He thanked the Nsit Ubium people for supporting their son, assuring everyone that, “you have a Governor who is not just performing, but excelling”.
Highpoints of the occasion was the symbolic presentation of cheques to some of the beneficiaries by the State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntokekpo.
-
Celebrity/Entertainment2 days ago
How Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night
-
Featured6 days ago
Your Attacks on Peter Obi Are Petty, Stop It! Chekwas Rebukes Soludo
-
News5 days ago
Tension in Anambra community as senior police officer shoots kinsman dead
Colleagues, others try cover-up; victim's family fights back
-
News6 days ago
Nigerian visa applicants must provide 5-yr social media history — US embassy
-
News4 days ago
Terrorist Organisation: APC, PDP Members in US, UK, France Risk Deportation
-
Celebrity/Entertainment6 days ago
Why single mothers can’t raise boys into proper men — Jim Iyke
-
News3 days ago
Vandal electrocuted while vandalizing Aba power infrastructure
-
News3 days ago
15% of Nigerian girls aged 15–19 are mothers or pregnant — FG
-
News2 days ago
Peter Obi’s Son Breaks Silence Over His Viral Photos Nigerians Are Talking About
-
News2 days ago
I’m not a gay — Obi’s son Oseloka speaks on viral picture