Politics
No Ibibio land will be annexed for proposed Obollo State – Ex-minister Essien to agitators
A former minister of Lands and Urban Development, Chief Nduese Essien, has warned those agitating for the creation of Obollo State that no part of Ibibio land would be annexed to them.
Essien who spoke at the installation of His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk as the 4th Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, said the renewed agitation by Obollo people for a separate state is a ploy “to grab Ibibio land”.
Recall that the people of Oro, Ibeno and Eastern Obolo local governments in Akwa Ibom have been championing the creation of Obollo State.
Essien, a former two term member of House of Representatives, claimed that the agitation for the state creation by the Obollos was an attempt to seize control of the Ibibio coastline, particularly the Stubbs Creek Forest, which he said had been lawfully defended by the Ibibio people up to the Privy Council in London.
He said, “Let me emphasise unambiguously: any attempt to appropriate Ibibio land must be vehemently rejected at all times. The ill-fated expedition has been exposed and must come to an end. No part of Ibibio land will be annexed.”
Essien recalled successive agitations by the Obollos which had met a brickwall, saying the current wave holds no water.
“The second wave of aggression through violence in 1993 was halted by the Justice Ephraim Akpata Commission of Inquiry, and a third in 2014 during the National Conference, where collaborators sought to merge the area with a part the neighbouring River State for a proposed Oil Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking on the installation of the Oku Ibom Ibibio as the Grand Patron of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Essien challenged other sociocultural organizations to rise beyond ceremonial functions and play a stronger role in protecting Ibibio heritage, advocating for justice and voicing influential opinions on national discourse, instead of praising political establishments.
Essien commended Mboho’s achievements since its establishment in 1987, including the setting up of educational institutions, agricultural enterprises, tourism outfits and cultural initiatives, but urged its leadership to resist being used as a platform for personal political ambition.
He also described the Oku Ibom as a link between the ‘glorious past, our beautiful present, and the promise of a bright future”.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the postponement of the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 General Election.
This follows a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, on Friday, April 10.
A statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner, Chairman, Informationa and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said
“the voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters.
It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register.
The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.
INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.”
Following the just conducted ADC Congress, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ideato South Local Government Area, Imo State, has announced its new leadership team. The team, led by Chairman Hon. Eze Chijioke, includes:
– Chairman: Hon. Eze Chijioke
– Secretary: Chief Duru Maurice
– Youth Leader: Mr. Obinwanne Okwara
– Woman Leader: Mrs. Anueyiagu Ogechi
– Organizing Secretary: Hon. Godian Egemba
The team is expected to lead the party to victory in future elections.
Politics
ADC Owerri Municipal Gets New Chairman: Hon. Success Opara Emerges Amidst State Leadership Tussle
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Owerri Municipal, Imo State, has concluded its Local Government Area Congress, with Hon. Success Opara emerging as the new Chairman. The congress, conducted in all wards across Owerri Municipal, saw party faithfuls voting for Opara, who is expected to lead the party to victory in future elections.
However, there’s an ongoing leadership tussle within the Imo State ADC, with Chief Emmanuel Amushie claiming to be the authentic state chairman, recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). On the other hand, Prof. James Okoroma has also been declared the authentic state chairman by the national leadership of the ADC.
Furthermore the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has removed the faction led by Prof. James Okoroma as the recognized leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Imo State, as of April 9, 2026. INEC recognizes only the Amuchie-led Executive as the lawful and legitimate leadership of the ADC in Imo State.
The removal follows a Court of Appeal ruling directing parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court. INEC has also suspended recognition of all leadership factions of the ADC until the court reaches a final decision.
INEC postpones nationwide voter revalidation until after 2027 elections
ADC Congress Ideato South: New Leadership Team Emerges
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