The Orbit

'Judgment day' in Saudi Arabia as Joshua, Ngannou tango

It's a career-defining moment for the duo of Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou as they lock horns in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in what promises to be a very feisty festival of heavy punches.

Joshua, 34, originally from Nigeria but fighting under the British flag, is aiming to reestablish himself as the top dog in heavyweight boxing after losing his belts to Ukraine's Alexander Usyk in 2021.

Successive victories against Jermaine Franklin and Otto Wallin have no doubt shown that Joshua still have some fire in his belly since losing twice to Usyk, but a victory against Ngannou, who lost controversially to WBC champion, Tyson Fury, would definitely propel him towards the top of the heavyweight ecosystem, once again.

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'Judgment day' in Saudi Arabia as Joshua, Ngannou tango It’s a career-defining moment for the duo of Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou as they lock horns in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in what promises to be a very feisty festival of heavy punches. Joshua, 34, originally from Nigeria but fighting under the British flag, is aiming to reestablish himself as t...

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*New Year Message: Oku Ibom Ibibio Calls For Unity, Love And Tolerance*

*... Advises Against Thuggery, Bloodshed On Forthcoming Polls*

The premier traditional ruler in Akwa Ibom State, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR has called on the people to let love, unity and tolerance prevail at all times as we enter a New Year.

Ntenyin Etuk, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, said when there is peace and tranquillity, the society will witness progress and prevalence of security that are required for development to thrive at all times.

Speaking in his 2023 New Year Message, entitled "Let Peace, Love and Tolerance Reign", Ntenyin Etuk, who is the paramount ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area and a member of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), said the year 2023 will be what we make of it, and urged indigenes of Akwa Ibom State and residents alike, to abide together peacefully.

"We thank the God Almighty for taking us through 2022 and making us to live and see 2023, which we prayed. The goodness of the Lord in our lives is immense and worthy of gratitude at all times.

"Let me therefore advice that life is a function of inputs. As often said in computer, "Garbage in, Garbage Out", how we conduct our lives daily in pursuit of interests and in relation with one another, will turn out to shape how the New Year will be for us.

"We are a State that the God Almighty has blessed with enormous human and natural resources. Our lifestyles will determine the extent to which we can reap our endowment and endeavours. Let us fine-tune our attitude so as to realise our expectations in the New Year," he said.

The Oku Ibom Ibibio, who is the Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, further noted that with the coming of elections within the first quarter of the year, citizens, especially politicians and their supporters must eschew the propensity for violence and hatred against other contestants.

He said, "In February and March, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will conduct polls for the election of a new President of Nigeria to succeed His Excellency, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, President and Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Members of the Senate and House of Representatives as well as Governors and members of the State Houses of Assembly.

"I appeal to our political parties, leaders, candidates and supporters to give peace a chance throughout the period of campaigns and elections an even thereafter. Power is given by God. When he wills it to someone, nothing can change it."

The Oku Ibom Ibibio cautioned youths to avoid being used for thuggery and shedding of blood by candidates or political chieftains throughout the electioneering periods, stating that their lives matter more than the ambition of any individual.

He also called on those in authorities, be it private or public service, from the local government areas to the federal levels, to be humane, selfless and to serve the people with the fear of God at all times, adding that God will hold every leader accountable for his or her deeds while in office.

According to him, traditional rulers will give their utmost cooperation towards the successes of the polls by constantly dialoguing with their subjects on the need for peace and unity which are the vehicles that drive positive development.

*Assembly Candidate Barr George consults Etinan Village Youth Presidents*

*150 defectors dump PDP for YPP in Nkana Iman

House of Assembly candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Etinan State Constituency, Barr Paul Gibson George has promised to deploy funds for creation of jobs and empowerment of youths if elected in 2023.

Barr George who was speaking at Ikot Abasi 1, Etinan, on Friday, when was he consulted the 64 Village Youth Presidents in Etinan LGA, said is fully abreast of the challenges facing the area, one of which is youth unemployment.

"I am here to assure you that I understand the problems confronting the youths of Etinan. Most of you here are graduates, most of you have no jobs and businesses to run. I will set aside funds for your empowerment. Small and Medium Enterprises will empower you to make sure you are gainfully engaged so that you can earn a decent living. It is what I've been doing on a personal capacity; if you send me to the House of Assembly, that capacity shall be expanded. Expect more from me and YPP. As village youth presidents, you will start enjoying the dividends of Akwa Ibom as an oil-rich state," he stated.

George maintained that he knows the enormity of the responsibilities of village youth presidents, and thanked them for serving without recourse to down tools due to poor welfare.

The Assembly hopeful also promised to sponsor Skills Acquisition Bill and Bill for Establishment of Technical Colleges to ensure that the youths are adequately empowered knowledgeably and financially to attain self reliance.

"You'll not find me wanting in legislation. I'll be doing ward by ward consultation every month. I'll be in direct interface with the Etinan constituents," he promised.

Etinan Chapter Chairman of YPP, Rev Nkese Ekpot called on the youth presidents to support Senator Bassey Albert Akpan for governorship and all YPP candidates in their quest to eradicate bad leadership in the State.

In his reaction, Obong Idongesit Effiong, the youth president of Ikot Udobia, observed that the candidate spoke as one who truly understands the plight of village youth presidents in Etinan and the entire State.

He announced that he will mobilize the youths in his domain to vote enmasse for Barr George.
His words: "this is not the time to play hide-and-seek politics. I am here to say that my support, that of my household and the youths in my jurisdiction is for you. I am saying this to be quoted anywhere. Having done a cursory analysis of the various candidates in the race, I must say you are the best so far. I wish you well."

Other village youth presidents who spoke, commended the aspirant for deeming it necessary to consult them and implored him not to discard his promises if elected.

Speaking on behalf of the Youth Presidents, the President General of Etinan Chapter, Elder Donald Donald Usoro, who also doubles as the Youth President of Ikot Abasi 1, decried that the association is only remembered by politicians during political consultations and campaigns but urged Barr George to be different if elected.

Elder Usoro promised the candidate and other candidates for the 2023 elections that the village youth presidents will assist in ensuring that violence, vote buying and other ill tendencies are curtailed during the elections.

The association also prayed for the candidate.

Also in attendance was the Deputy Chapter Chairman of YPP, Obong Kenneth Okon.

Still on Friday, the YPP chapter leadership welcomed about 150 decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Nkana Iman, Southern Iman Ward 1.

Receiving the decampees, Etinan Chapter Chairman, Rev Nkese Ekpot assured them of good times under YPP leadership starting from 2023.

Barr George also promised them effective representation in the House of Assembly.

Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Mr Nsikak Friday Akpan (Boss Man) stated that they left PDP because of impunity, poor reward system and failed promises.

Also on Friday, Barr George paid a consultative visit to elder statesman and veteran politician, Obong Arc. Ekong Etuk.