Sitippe

Just In: Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno,PhD will visit Nkari in Ini Local Government Area today, Saturday September 12, for the inauguration of the Model School, Nkari, before then, he will hand over two compassionate homes at Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara respectively, to new beneficiaries.

AREWA REVIVAL PROJECT DEBUNKS FABRICATED AKPABIO QUOTE, COMMENDS SENATE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL UNITY

The Arewa Revival Project has taken note of a viral social-media post alleging that the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, said: “We will make sure Northerners suffer from January to May if Tinubu loses the election.”

We categorically reject the statement as false, misleading and politically irresponsible, and urge Nigerians, particularly citizens of Northern Nigeria, not to allow an unattributed social-media graphic to create unnecessary tension between regions.

Importantly, we have found no credible evidence establishing that Senator Akpabio made the alleged statement. In a related controversy earlier this year, the Office of the President of the Senate expressly denied viral allegations portraying Akpabio as making anti-Northern or threatening remarks, describing such claims as false and malicious.

THE IMAGE IS NOT EVIDENCE OF A QUOTE

A photograph of a public official accompanied by quotation marks does not, by itself, establish that the person uttered the words attributed to him.

Those circulating the graphic should provide the full video recording, date, venue, complete speech, or an authentic transcript from which the alleged quotation was taken. Until such evidence is produced, Nigerians should treat the claim as an unverified political allegation, rather than established fact.

Indeed, available reporting shows Senator Akpabio making public statements emphasizing national unity and warning Nigerians not to allow political differences to undermine the country. In June 2026, he was reported as saying that elections would come and go and should not become the end of Nigeria.

COMMENDATION OF SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO

The Arewa Revival Project commends Senator Godswill Akpabio for his continued efforts to promote cooperation between the Executive and Legislative arms of government and for his advocacy of policies and legislation which he says are intended to improve the lives of Nigerians.

His public record also demonstrates that his political activities transcend a single region. He has consistently advocated support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while engaging political stakeholders across the country. In July 2026, for example, he called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and expressed confidence in Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

We therefore consider it unfortunate that an unverified graphic is being presented as though it were an established statement capable of setting North against South.

OUR MESSAGE TO NORTHERN NIGERIANS

Northern Nigeria must not become a victim of political misinformation.

We encourage our people to ask simple questions before believing or sharing inflammatory content:

* Where and when was the statement made?
* Is there a complete video?
* Who recorded or published the original statement?
* Has a credible news organisation independently verified it?
* Has the person to whom the statement is attributed confirmed that he actually said it?

These questions are particularly important as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

The Arewa Revival Project believes that political disagreement is legitimate, but deliberately manufactured ethnic and regional hostility is dangerous to Nigeria’s democracy.

We will continue to support peaceful political participation, voter education, national unity and constructive engagement between Northern and Southern Nigeria.

CONCLUSION

We call on Nigerians to disregard the viral quotation unless and until credible evidence is produced to authenticate it.

We further commend the Senate President for his service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and urge him, alongside other national leaders, to continue promoting the spirit of One Nigeria, where political competition does not become a source of ethnic suspicion or regional hatred.

Nigeria belongs to all of us. The North belongs in Nigeria, the South belongs in Nigeria, and together we must protect the unity and democratic future of our country.

Signed:
Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim
Project Coordinator
Arewa Revival Project

BREAKING NEWS: UDOEDEHE ARRIVES UYO AHEAD OF ADC 2027 CAMPAIGNS

Senator John James Udoedehe, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for Akwa Ibom State, has arrived in Uyo ahead of the party’s 2027 campaign activities.

Udoedehe was received at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, by a large crowd of ADC supporters and party faithful who gathered to welcome the former senator back to the state.

His arrival comes as the ADC intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.

GOV ENO DEEPENS INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE WITH ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
..Commissions 2.1km Internal Roads at Obong University, Etim Ekpo

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has further demonstrated his commitment to inclusive governance with the commissioning of 2.1 kilometres of internal roads at Obong University in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.

The road project, commissioned on Thursday, forms part of the activities marking the State’s 39th anniversary, and is designed to ease movement within the university environment and provide better access for students, staff, visitors and members of the host community.

Representing Governor Eno at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the intervention reflected the Governor’s determination to provide basic amenities for all Akwa Ibom people without discrimination.

Obongemem Ekpo noted that Governor Eno has shown himself to be the Governor of every Akwa Ibom citizen, emphasising that the welfare of the people must remain central to governance, irrespective of whether they attend or work in public or private institutions.

He particularly highlighted the Governor’s interest in education and students’ welfare, stating that the intervention at Obong University demonstrated that students in private institutions are equally part of the state’s development agenda.

According to the Minister, Governor Eno’s approach recognises government’s responsibility to provide infrastructure that improves citizens’ lives and supports institutions contributing to the state’s progress.

Obongemem Ekpo also disclosed that an ICT centre would be provided to Obong University through his office, describing the gesture as an effort to strengthen digital learning and expand students’ access to technology.

The Minister urged the people to sustain the prevailing peace in Akwa Ibom State, noting that Governor Eno had consistently promoted the ideal of a united Akwa Ibom.

He called on citizens to reject attempts to create ethnic divisions and biases, stressing that unity and cooperation among leaders at both federal and state levels remain essential for development.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, described herself as a friend, mother and sister to the people of Etim Ekpo and commended the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

Senator Eyakenyi said Governor Eno has once again shown that his administration is focused on serving the entire state rather than any particular section.

She described the road project as clear evidence of the Governor’s concern for the welfare of students across Akwa Ibom, whether they attend federal, state or private institutions.

The Deputy Governor noted that improving infrastructure around educational institutions creates a better environment for learning while also delivering wider benefits to host communities.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Hon. Gideon Uwa, expressed appreciation to Governor Pastor Umo Eno for the project in his domain.

He recalled the various people-oriented projects executed by the Governor in Etim Ekpo and stated that the people of the area are happy and proud, pledging their full support in the 2027 general election.

Giving an overview of the project, the Permanent Secretary, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Works, Mr. Ignatius Ekwere, said the intervention comprised approximately 2.1 kilometres of internal roads within the Obong University environment.

Mr. Ekwere explained that the project was executed with the necessary road and drainage infrastructure and was supervised by the Ministry of Works to ensure compliance with required engineering standards.

He described the project as a testimony to Governor Eno’s commitment to infrastructure development and his determination to address challenges affecting communities and institutions across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the university, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Umanah, thanked Governor Eno on behalf of the management, staff and students of Obong University.

Prof. Umanah said the intervention was particularly significant because the university is located in Ward 7 of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, adding that the impact of the project would extend beyond the institution.

He noted that the area is an important oil palm-producing region and expressed confidence that improved road infrastructure would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, increase commercial activities and contribute to the local economy.

The Vice Chancellor added that the new infrastructure would also provide a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and other academic activities.

The Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Prof. Amanam Udo, described Obong University as a longstanding institution and expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for the road project.

Prof. Udo, who disclosed that he was the second Vice Chancellor of the university, recalled his involvement in the institution’s development, including the period when it obtained accreditation and graduated its pioneer students.

He described the road intervention as a major relief for the university, noting that establishing and sustaining a private university is capital-intensive and that adequate infrastructure is essential to the institution’s growth.

The traditional ruler said the Governor’s intervention would benefit both the university and the host community.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, also commended Governor Eno for his development initiatives and the intervention at the university.

Obong Ntukekpo said the people of Akwa Ibom were proud of the Governor’s achievements and the impact of projects being executed across the state.

Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, in his goodwill message, emphasised the importance of unity and collective commitment in sustaining the development of Akwa Ibom State.

The commissioning of the internal roads at Obong University is expected to deliver benefits beyond improved access within the institution.

Stakeholders noted that the project would contribute to the local economy by enhancing connectivity in an area known for oil palm production, thereby facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and encouraging commercial activities.

The intervention also reinforces the administration’s focus on education and human capital development by extending infrastructure support to students and institutions irrespective of whether they are publicly or privately owned.

The project formed part of activities marking Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary, with development initiatives across the state highlighting the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure, education, peace and inclusive governance.

For the Obong University community, the newly commissioned roads represent a significant improvement in the institution’s physical environment and a practical demonstration of government support for education and the welfare of students.

Alleged Anti North Comments, Akpabio Petitions DSS

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday, petitioned the Directorate of State Services( DSS), over a purported anti North statement alleged to have been made by him.

A Letter of Petition to the security agency, signed by his Chief of Staff, Chinedu Akubueze Esq, Akpabio called on the agency to investigate urgently, the creation and coordinated dissemination on Facebook and other digital platforms of a manifestly false, inflammatory and dangerously divisive statement, attributed to the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio GCON.

According to the petition," the offending graphic bears the photograph and designation of the President of the Senate and attributes the following words to him, " Northerners, You Will Be The Ones To Suffer The Most, If You Allow Tinubu To Lose The Election ".

The statement stated unequivocally that the President of the Senate, "did not make this statement. No date, venue, speech, interview, video, audio recordings, official statement or credible news report has been produced to authenticate it.

" The graphic carries no identifiable publisher's mark or verifiable source. It appears to have been deliberately manufactured and presented as an authentic quotation for the purpose of deceiving the public, provoking regional resentment against the President of the Senate and portraying him as threatening the people of Northern Nigeria.

" A preliminary examination of publicly accessible Facebook records identified the following persons as among the earliest presently traceable amplifiers of the fabricated graphic, (a) Abdullai Musa, who posted the graphic in the Facebook Group styled, Sheik Muhammad bin Uthman group 24", (b) Uzoma Chilaka, whos Facebook post reproduced the graphic together with a commentary expressly credited to Boniface Uzoma Chilaka and Engineer Ibrahim Umar Ammar, a verified Facebook account that subsequently reproduced the graphic and substantially similar commentary.

"These persons, the petition noted, " should not be presumed guilty before investigation. Nevertheless, their early and substantial roles in circulating the material makes them material persons of interest, who may possess information capable of identifying the graphics designer, original uploader, sponsors, intermediaries and the network through which it was distributed. Their publication records, devices communications and the provenance of the image should therefore, be investigated in accordance with the laws".

Jackson Udom
Special Assistant To President Of The Senate On Media.

Insight Chapel of NUJ honours Etinan LG Chairman for grassroots governance

By Emmanuel Sampson

Insight Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has honoured the Chairman of Etinan Local Government and publisher, Hon. Uko Umoh, with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to grassroots governance, development, and people-centred initiatives.

Presenting the award to the Etinan council boss on Wednesday, as part of the activities marking the Chapel's 13th anniversary celebration, the Chairman of Insight Chapel, Comrade Itoro Bassey, acknowledged Hon. Umoh’s transformative leadership, good governance, and impactful developmental projects that have significantly improved the lives of the people in Etinan.

Bassey, accompanied by Comrade Emmanuel Sampson, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Chapel's 13th anniversary celebration, stated that local government is where governance directly impacts the lives of the people.

“The ultra-modern bus terminus in Etinan, your commercial agriculture initiatives, the multi-million naira empowerment programmes your administration has provided for beneficiaries engaged in various vocations across the Local Government Area, and the job opportunities you have facilitated for the youth, among others, are some of the commendable initiatives we have observed”

Bassey added that by honoring Hon. Umoh, who has demonstrated excellence in infrastructure and human capacity building, the Chapel aims to set a standard and inspire others to prioritise people-centered governance.

The Chapel leadership commended Hon. Umoh for his continued support of the media community, particularly in the growth and development of young reporters and editors through his newspaper, The NigeriaPULSE.

Responding, Hon Umoh, who described the recognition as a motivation to intensify service delivery, said it would further strengthen his resolve to drive sustainable development within Etinan Local Government Area.

Reflecting on his relationship with journalists, Umoh said he was proud to have mentored many members of the profession.

“As far as the media are concerned in Akwa Ibom State, I think I'm a grandfather. That's true, because about 50 per cent of the journalists working in this state passed through my tutelage,” he said.

Umoh also said the award reminded him of his relationship with Barr. David Augustine, the publisher of Weekly Insight Newspaper, whom he described as sound and humble.

He acknowledged the contributions of current NUJ leaders in the state and said he would remain grateful to journalists for their role in his life and career, promising continued support for members of the profession.

“The media is my primary constituency. I am most honoured, and I will continue to support journalists in this state because I cannot forget them. I will never forget them,” he stated.

Umoh appealed to journalists to support the Pastor Umo Eno administration through responsible and balanced journalism.

He added that the governor’s achievements in maintaining peace, promoting development, and empowering citizens in the state were commendable.

In particular, the Council Chairman praised Governor Eno for the Youth Development Centres being built across all the 31 local government areas of the state under the government’s ARISE Agenda.

He said the ICT and creative digital hubs, e-libraries, and co-working spaces would facilitate the training of thousands of youth annually.