Politics

CODE demands probe into alleged hijack of Akwa Ibom Govt empowerment program

Published

1 month ago

May 3, 2025

A social-political group, Coalition Of Democrats (CODE), has raised the alarm over the hijack of Akwa Ibom State Government’s Arise Empowerment Program by stakeholders in some Local Government Areas, particularly in Ukanafun, Ibiono Ibom and Essien Udim.

The group expressed worry that the program, designed to empower grassroots communities, especially farmers, artisans, and small-scale business owners, has been compromised by the inclusion of influential individuals on the beneficiaries list.

Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Friday , Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh, Secretary of CODE said the development has undermined the program’s integrity and denied genuine beneficiaries the support meant for them.

According to CODE, some stakeholders in certain LGAs have manipulated the selection process, listing former lawmakers, party loyalists and their family members as beneficiaries, thereby denying genuine farmers and small-scale business owners the benefits meant for them.

The group described the stakeholders’ action as self-enrichment and manipulation of public welfare schemes, which it says is sending a disturbing signal of exploitation to the public.

CODE also passed a vote of no confidence on the stakeholders whose names were found on the beneficiaries list, calling on them to resign from government appointments and tender unreserved apologies to Governor Umo Eno and the entire state in order to save their face .

“Their actions have shown that they are not fit to serve the public interest, we urge them to do the honorable thing and step down, as their continued presence in government will only perpetuate corruption and undermine public trust,” the group said.

CODE further called on the state government to investigate and rectify the situation by taking immediate action to address the issue and ensure the program’s success.

“We urge the state government to set up a committee to oversee the program and ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries,” Akpanusoh emphasized.

While commending the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for initiating the program aimed at improving the lives of people at the grassroots, the group reiterated its commitment to continue monitoring the program’s implementation to ensure transparency and accountability, underscoring its dedication to promoting good governance in Akwa Ibom State.

Up Next

Delta APC directs unconditional registration of newly defected PDP members

Don't Miss

Not just health reasons – Kano govt reveals why Baffa Bichi was sacked

Click to comment

Politics

Tinubu has outperformed Obasanjo, Jonathan, Buhari – Morka

Published

2 minutes ago

June 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Felix Morka, on Wednesday said that President Bola Tinubu has performed far better than his predecessors.

Morka specifically said that Tinubu has reordered the nation’s priorities and tackled some of the most acerbic challenges faced by the country’s economy.

He stated this on Wednesday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

Morka also dismissed the opposition, saying all their cry and hue is not sufficient enough.

He said: “Now, this President, in two years, as I have maintained, has done more than, you know, all of the presidents before him in the direction of reordering our priorities, tackling some of the most acerbic challenges faced by the economy of our country.

“He has decided that, you know, it’s not about just looking for cheap popularity, but willing to do the tough things that may momentarily seem unpopular, but are decidedly crucial to the long-term good health of our country’s economy.

“So all of the hue and cry by members of the opposition, whether it’s Rotimi Amaechi or former Vice President, or former Kaduna governor, Malam El-Rufai, you know, don’t begin to cut it.

“The President is focused on, you know, dealing with matters that guarantee the long-term, I think, you know, health of our country.

“Now you see, what is funny is that all of these voices put together don’t even begin to speak to what they think this President should be doing different from what he’s doing.

“Not one of them has come forward with any kind of, you know, informed prescription of what the President should be doing, because they know, you know, in their hearts, outside of just politicking, that the President is doing exactly what any right-thinking president would do.”

Politics

‎I didn’t like the way Igbos are been treated in Nigeria, so in protest against that injustice, I Began to Wear the Isi-Agu Igbo Traditional Attire with the Red Cap– Rotimi Amaechi

Published

10 minutes ago

June 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

‎
‎During a recent interview with Arise Television, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi shared why he chose to wear the popular Igbo traditional attire featuring the tiger head design and red cap. Amaechi, who is from the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State, explained that it was a form of protest.
‎
‎He said that although he is first an Ikwerre man, he recognizes the strong cultural similarities between the Ikwerre and the Igbo people, from language to food and traditions. While many Ikwerre people do not identify as Igbo, Amaechi said a small group, including himself, sees a connection
‎
‎According to him, his decision to publicly wear the Igbo attire came when he noticed the unfair treatment of the Igbo people in Nigeria. As a way to stand with them, he began dressing in their traditional outfit, the tiger head patterned top with a red cap, which is a symbol of Igbo pride and identity.
‎
‎He made it clear that this choice was political and symbolic. For Amaechi, it wasn’t just about identity, but about speaking out against injustice.
‎
‎ “ I didn’t like the way the Igbos were being treated in Nigeria so In protest against that, I began to wear Igbo cloth with the read cap, in protest, asking Nigeria to address that”
‎ “I made it public that I’m an Igbo man.”
‎
‎

Politics

Soludo debunks claims of consulting native doctor for November 8 guber poll

Published

33 minutes ago

June 4, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Soludo

The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has denied allegations that he consulted a native doctor regarding his reelection prospects.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor, the government described the claims as “totally false” and “maliciously fabricated.”

According to the government, a video clip being circulated online, purportedly showing the Governor consulting a native doctor, was actually taken during a meeting with Anambra-based content creators.

Aburime said: “During the session, one of the content creators performed a skit, a common comic genre in Nigerian entertainment, to showcase their creative abilities.

“The government expresses disappointment that critics and political opponents would deliberately misrepresent the video to spread misinformation.

“Governor Soludo’s commitment to developing Anambra’s creative economy is evident in projects like the recently commissioned Solution Fun City. We urge the public to disregard the misinformation and verify information before sharing or amplifying content.

“Governor Soludo’s commitment to the development of Anambra State and his focus on delivering the Solution Agenda is top priority now,” the press release stated.