Ibom Journal

10TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: HOW GOD GAVE ME VICTORY OVER TYRANNY

From a background of over 25 years of a very rewarding career as a globally-ranking QHSE Consultant, venturing into politics was borne of my desire to touch the lives of a wider cross-section of people than I was able to do within the ambit of my professional career. The Favour of God found me in massive support from my people and I was duly elected to serve as the representative of the good people of Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency at the National Assembly 2019 - 2023. I wish to first express my sincere gratitude to God and my people for the rare privilege of serving as a member of the 9th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This desire for service kept burning and propelled the noble efforts I was able to make in the interest of the people during my first four years as their representative. However, the belief that there is so much more to offer spurred my aspiration for another term. From the corridors of power to the trenches of grassroots politics, God’s favour again saw me through storms of betrayal, political conspiracy, and indeed, outright tyranny, on my journey to securing a second term in office. Today, as I stand re-elected to serve, I recount the twists and turns that marked my relentless pursuit of service to my constituents, whose collective will should not be suppressed.

My quest for a second term in the House of Representatives was a tussle between a powerful cabal and the resilience of an electorate determined that l should represent them once again. My interest instigated a dreadful conspiracy and, between 2019 and 2022, it was a battle for true democracy, in the face of relentless opposition. It began with a sinister orchestration by the leadership of the ruling party in Akwa Ibom State - Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) - at the prompting of the state's immediate past administration, to dictate the political future of my constituency. On the grounds of arbitrary zoning of political offices, the party's structures were systematically and unjustly withdrawn from me - and even turned against me - despite my dedication and service to the people and despite being the highest political office holder.

In July 2021, the political posts were further shifted against me as the leadership of Ikono Local Government Area, decided to zone the House of Representatives seat to Ini Local Government Area, to thwart my ambition. This blow was followed by another in September 2021 when the political stakeholders of my Federal Constituency - who had earlier supported me - suddenly conspired to label me unfit for re-election, and went ahead to propose a zoning arrangement in favour of Ini Local Government Area.
By April 2022, the state leadership of the PDP, endorsed this zoning directive for the House of Representatives seat. I was summoned to the Akwa Ibom State Government House and requested to withdraw my candidacy. Thereafter, by manipulating the democratic process to suit the personal desire of a few who sought to maintain their political stranglehold, I was formally disqualified by the national and state PDP screening committee, a move that effectively sidelined my candidacy.

From these ashes of despair, however, a flicker of hope emerged. A successful appeal to the National Working Committee of the PDP in Abuja saw me reinstated as a legitimate aspirant for the party's primary elections in May 2022. Yet, the party structure within the state remained treacherous and, in a controversial move, defied the will of the people by awarding the party ticket to an unpopular aspirant in whom there was a vested personal interest by the power centre in the state.
In the face of this gross injustice, I made the difficult but bold decision to chart a new course. In June 2022, I defected to the Young Progressives Party (YPP), rallying my supporters behind me as we embarked on a path less travelled. The journey ahead was fraught with peril as the months that followed saw repeated arrest and detention of hundreds of my loyal supporters.

This set the tone for the eagerly anticipated general elections on February 25th 2023. Despite emerging victorious by a margin of 4,161 votes, the joy of triumph was short-lived as the results were deemed inconclusive. Subsequent attempts at conducting supplementary elections on April 15th 2023 were marred by violence. In May 2023, INEC's review of existing results heralded a moment of vindication as I was declared the rightful winner of the 2023 elections. I took the oath of office at the National Assembly in June 2023. But, the journey was far from over.
Fierce legal challenges led to the election petition tribunal through a perverse judgement nullified my victory in November 2023 and ordered a rerun in 33 of the 281 polling units. In January 2024 the Appeal Court in Abuja upheld the tribunal's decision, paving the way for a decisive rerun.

In February 2024, the moment of redemption finally came. The people of Ikono-Ini refused to be pawns, rejecting imposition with disdain for their right to choose their representative. The people spoke with a resounding voice, casting their votes in defiance of oppression and tyranny. Today, their voices have been heard through the February 3rd rerun elections which culminated in my successful re-election.

I took a second oath of office, reaffirming my pledge to uphold the values of democracy and represent the aspirations of my constituents. With this certificate of return in hand, I stand once more on the threshold of leadership to embark on a new chapter of service.
My journey to re-election was not merely a quest for power, but an enduring quest to satisfy the yearnings of an overwhelming majority of people who, by their resilience in the face of intimidation and oppression, wholeheartedly placed their trust and belief in me.

I wish to remind everyone about the transient nature of power. Let us remember the significance of humility and deference to the higher authority of The Almighty, from whom all power emanates. We must acknowledge that our purpose in positions of authority is to serve, and thus, we must not allow the allure of power to delude us into a misguided belief of omnipotence. And to those who - through malice or ignorance, dead or living - opposed or suppressed my ambition, I extend the hand of forgiveness. For it is through forgiveness that we find the strength to heal and move forward, united in our shared humanity.

To God alone be the Glory, Amen!

God Bless Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency
God Bless Akwa Ibom State
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Rt. Hon Emmanuel Ukpong-udo (PhD | CFIOSH | FIIRSM | CQP | MISPN)
Member, House of Representatives
Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency (2023-2027)
Akwa Ibom State

President Tinubu has suspended Dr. Betta Edu over N585m scandal.

The former Cross River State Commissioner for Health is alleged to have diverted 585million naira from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to a private account.

The Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) confirmed the news this afternoon on their official page on X.

Her suspension follows series of public outcry on social media by Nigerians.

Recall Dr Edu came under public scrutiny after a memo surfaced wherein she requested the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer the sum of N585 million to a private account.

According to a statement by the President's Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

It reads, “The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder."

FOX NEWS

Pope Francis has formally approved allowing priests to bless same-s3x couples, but has reaffirmed that marriage is between a man and a woman.

A document from the Vatican's doctrine office released Monday provides guidance and details about the declaration, which states, in part, "When people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it. For those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection."

The document from the Vatican's doctrine office, released today, elaborates on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals that was published in October

The new document also reaffirmed that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman.

And it stresses that blessings should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union or even with the clothing and gestures that belong in a wedding.

But it says requests for such blessings should not be denied full stop.

It offers an extensive definition of the term 'blessing' in Scripture to insist that people seeking a transcendent relationship with God and looking for his love and mercy should not be subject to 'an exhaustive moral analysis' as a precondition for receiving it.

'Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God,' the document said.

'The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live.'

He added: 'It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered.'

The Vatican holds that marriage is an indissoluble union between man and woman. As a result, it has long opposed same-s3x marriage.

In August, Pope Francis told the hundreds of thousands gathered before him for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, that the Catholic Church is for "todos, todos, todos" -- everyone, everyone, everyone.

Step into the enchantment of the holiday season as we officially open Christmas Unplugged! 🎄✨

Join us for a magical evening filled with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and heartwarming moments.

The official opening ceremony marks an unforgettable moment to the most wonderful time of the year. Come let all embrace the spirit of togetherness, joy, and the magic of Christmas Unplugged as we kick off the festivities in style.

Mark your calendars for a celebration that will warm your heart and create lasting memories. Let the holiday magic begin! 🌟

opens today in Dubai.

Opening this thread for updates and comments from UAE. 🇦🇪

Some exciting news:

The UAE just announced $100 million pledge at the opening plenary of the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai on Thursday.

The draft decision for the Fund has been adopted by the COP and CMA at . This means that the Fund is now operationalised!

To get more of my expert comments on , follow the thread here;
https://x.com/olorunwababs/status/1730213580539077074?s=46

Meet Mr. Michael Udofot, the man behind Udofot Beer, a Nigerian-owned beer company located in Richfield, Minnesota, USA.

This Diaspora brand is owned by an Akwa Ibom son, Mr Michael Udofot from Ikot Eba, Etinan LGA.
And he is indeed the first Nigerian to own a brewery in the Diaspora.

UDOFOT BEER is a carefully crafted brewed.
It's refreshing !
Udofot Global Premium Lager Beer.

The beer is now available in over 200 liquor stores throughout Minnesota, with a special focus on the Twin Cities.

The classic lager is slightly malty with a smooth and sweet finish — it’s easy drinking even for those who don’t usually drink beer!

Cheers to Michael Udofot and the Udofot Beer brand.

This is indeed Iman Ibom to the WORLD

If you are an Akwa Ibomite and you are proud of this achievement by one of our own, share and let this go viral...
Follow their page Udofot Beer

We hope to see this beer in our city someday.

Congratulations Sir