Politics
Akwa Ibom commissioner tasks monarchs to champion voter registration exercise, support
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong has urged the traditional leaders to champion the ongoing voter registration exercise in their areas by encouraging their people to maximize the opportunity.
The commissioner who spoke during a visit to the Traditional Rulers Council in Uyo on Tuesday, observed that the response so far has been unimpressive. He noted that traditional rulers as key influencers, have a critical role to play.
He said, “As traditional rulers, your role is critical in strengthening the state’s democratic foundations by ensuring a fully enrolled electorate, which is essential for fair political representation and development planning. I want you to champion the ongoing voter registration exercise.”
The commissioner also urged the royal fathers to continue to support Governor Umo Eno’s Arise agenda to consolidate on the developmental gains already achieved by the present administration.
He described the traditional institution as the bedrock of societal stability, indispensable for ensuring order and fostering an environment where government policies can flourish for the benefit of all citizens.
Reflecting on his own experience as a former Council Chairman, the Commissioner acknowledged the relentless service and challenges faced by traditional rulers and expressed profound gratitude for their steadfast backing.
The Commissioner also highlighted the upcoming state anniversary celebrations on September 23rd, an event designed to honor the traditional institution. He called for their full cooperation to ensure its success, framing it as a testament to the government’s respect for the royalty.
Archibong also condemned the recent abuse of tradition and culture, citing specific instances of individuals using the internet to hurl insults on the Governor and a case where a masquerade inflicted physical harm on a citizen.
The Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner made it clear that while the government cherishes and promotes culture, it will not tolerate its perversion into a tool for violence and intimidation. He therefore directly appealed to the royal fathers, as custodians of peace and order, to curtail such excesses within their domains.
“While the state government is not against culture, it will not condone harmful practices against the people in its name,” he stated.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that he’s still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike’s comment followed his expulsion from the party by the faction led by National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki.
Turaki had formally dispatched expulsion certificates to 11 prominent party chieftains, including Wike, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, Abdurahman Muhammad Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
He said their expulsion was aimed at sanitising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Wike dismissed the claim while assuring that he would continue to work with other party members in making PDP a relevant opposition party.
The minister spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting the Interchange bridge and road linking Gwarinpa with Jahi and direct to Katampe, Gishiri and Maitama.
He said, “Those that are factionalized are bound to leave the party, I’m still in PDP and you can see that not everybody has left.
“We still have good numbers and we will continue to work together and that’s what I have said to the party. Put your house in order because at the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it’s the party that is losing.
“So those who are worried, we can work together to see how the party can remain a relevant opposition.”
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
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