Akwa Ibom Map Law Upheld & Trending News Across The State

• As Court Dismisses Suit By Mbo, Ibeno, And Others
• Governor Umo Eno’s Imprimatur of Compassion at Yakurr
• Unveiling the Motives Behind Moses Essien’s Exit from YPP
• Party in a State of Disarray, Lacking Solid Foundation – Ibiono Lawmaker

By Hillary Umo-Udofia

The Federal High Court in Uyo has dismissed the case brought by Ibeno, Eastern Obolo, Mbo, and six other parties challenging the Akwa Ibom State Map Law.

In Suit No. FHC/UY/CS/49/2023: The Paramount Ruler Of Ibeno & 8 Ors Vs Akwa Ibom State & 15 Others, the plaintiffs contested the legislative authority of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly regarding the demarcation of local government boundaries in the state.

During the judgement on April 30, 2024, the court upheld the objection of the 1st to 8th and 9-13th defendants, citing the abuse of court process by the plaintiffs.

The Akwa Ibom State Map (Establishment) Law, 2023, passed by the 7th Assembly and signed by Gov Udom Emmanuel in April 2023, faced opposition from local chairmen and paramount rulers of Ibeno, Eastern Obolo, and Mbo.

The Federal High Court’s decision implies that the Map Law stands, undisturbed and in effect. Professor Emeritus of Geology, Professor Etie Ben Akpan, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, though he noted some challenges in court access.

The court concurred with the defendants that the legal actions by the applicants (Ibeno and others) constituted an abuse of court proceedings, leading to the court’s decision to decline jurisdiction.

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A legal expert highlighted that the court ruling not only affirms the legality of the Akwa Ibom Map but also represents a setback for Ibeno and the other plaintiffs. The prevailing judicial stance indicates the law’s validity, with minimal chances for reversal given the unprecedented nature of the case in legal history.

Unveiling the Motives Behind Moses Essien’s Exit from YPP

• Party in a State of Disarray, Lacking Solid Foundation – Ibiono Lawmaker

It is now public knowledge that Hon. Moses Essien, the representative of Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, has officially left the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to join the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

During Plenary at the House of Assembly, the lawmaker cited internal discord within the leadership of the YPP in the State as one of the key factors prompting his defection to the PDP.

In his statement, he expressed, “I am writing to inform the Speaker and my colleagues in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Assembly about my decision to resign from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and join the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The primary reason for this move stems from the internal fragmentation within the YPP leadership in Akwa Ibom State. The departure of key figures such as the 2023 Governorship candidate, the State Chairman, State officers, chapter officers, and prominent members to the All Progressive Congress (APC) has left the party in a state of disarray, lacking a solid foundation.”

Hon. Essien, who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, expressed his gratitude to the YPP for providing him with the political platform that led to his election into the State House of Assembly.

The motion to welcome the lawmaker into the PDP was initiated by Hon. Lawrence Udoide, the representative of Ini State Constituency, and was seconded by the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Oto-Obong Bob.

In response, fellow members commended Hon. Essien for his courageous decision to leave the YPP and join the ruling party (PDP) in the state.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, warmly received Hon. Essien into the party, acknowledging that his inclusion has boosted the PDP’s membership to 25 from 24 and applauding him for his forward-thinking move.

With the departure of the Ibiono-Ibom lawmaker, the PDP’s representation in the House of Assembly has now grown from 24 to 25 members out of 26.

Meanwhile, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described the return of the member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon Moses Essien, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a home coming hence, should be given right of place in the party at all levels..

At the brief event held at the Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, amidst the ongoing Executive Council retreat, the Governor commended Mr. Moses Essien for heeding to the voice of reasoning by returning to his original family.

Governor Eno said Hon. Essien’s return to the PDP only indicates a change of party nomenclature, as his commitment to the interest of the state and contribution to governance from inception of the administration has been laudable and devoid of party sentiments.

Governor Eno further assured the returning member of full reintegration into the party at all levels as he urged the leadership of the PDP to ensure full acceptance and restoration of pride of place to Hon. Essien.

He reaffirmed that the PDP has been a family for Akwa Ibom people and will remain strong in the State irrespective of what happens in other places, given the track record of successive governments in the state.

In his words, “We warmly welcome our brother, Honourable Moses Essien, back to home. I don’t see you as a new person. You have been a member of PDP and for whatever reason you left, we want to believe you have put that behind you. We thank you for choosing to come to work with us. From inception of this administration, we have accepted to work with people across party lines. We want to thank you that even when you were in the YPP, you saw reason to work with us.

“You worked with us and we worked with you. So for us, I think today is just a change of address. There is really nothing new rather than a change of address from one party to another, and it strengthens us.

“I want to assure you that there will be no discrimination whatsoever. We trust that you will work with your people on the ground. Fortunately, the political leader of PDP in Ibiono Ibom is our Exco member, Comr. Ini. Ememobong. I will also hand you over to him to integrate you properly and give you your right of place. You will hold meetings together and make sure we have a strong force in Ibiono Ibom,” he said.

Presenting the returnees to the Governor and leader of the PDP in the State, the Speaker, Rt Hon Udeme Otong, lauded the large-heartedness of the governor in leading the state as one family, devoid of discrimination and communicated the delight of members over the increasing unity in the House of Assembly occasioned by the return of Moses Essien, who left to seek election on the platform of other parties. He affirmed that 25 of the 26 House Members are now in the PDP family.

The State Party Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, on his part, described the return of Hon. Essien as a victory for the PDP.

He noted that the lawmaker who left the party as an ordinary member has now returned as an elected legislator, assuring that the party, in line with Governor Umo Eno’s leadership disposition, has embraced the returning member and will integrate him to build a stronger PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

On his part, the Director-General of the Pastor Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi Campaign Organisation, Chief Assam Assam, SAN appreciated Hon. Essien for returning to the PDP fold and urged him to be more committed to the party.

Earlier in his remark, Hon Moses Essien thanked the Governor and the PDP in Akwa Ibom State for the warm reception accorded him, explaining that his return was informed by his belief in the Governor’s clearly defined ARISE Agenda and inclusive governance.

He pledged his support to the Umo Eno-led administration to ensure the successful implementation of his lofty plans for the State.

Governor Umo Eno’s Imprimatur of Compassion at Yakurr

This is one of the Arise Compassionate Homes built by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno Bassey at Letampankom, Ijiman Town Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The residential building furnished with modern facilities is donated to Mr. Ubi Abam Obono, father of Miss Arit Ubi Abam who shot a video hailing his father for using his meager resources to train her in the tertiary institution at the completion of her one year national service.

Across border lines and within his home state, Governor Umo Eno goes beyond mere philanthropy, he exemplifies the true essence of leadership – compassion, empathy, and a commitment to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable.