2027 Governorship: Bush Unveils 8-Point Agenda for Akwa Ibom People

By Esther Esin

The Labour Party (LP) candidate for the 2027 Akwa Ibom State governorship election, Akparawa Michael Bush, has unveiled an eight-point development agenda, promising to prioritise the welfare of citizens and ensure inclusive governance if elected governor.

Bush presented the agenda at a World Press Conference held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Information Drive, off IBB Avenue, Uyo.

Speaking on the theme, “Akwa Ibom For All... The People First,” the governorship hopeful described his address as “a letter direct to our hearts and conscience,” adding that the state was at a critical point and that the 2027 governorship election would be an unusual one.

He said his proposed administration would adopt a people-centred approach to governance, with emphasis on access to essential services, economic development, industrialisation and opportunities for citizens.

Unveiling his eight-point agenda, tagged AKWA IBOM, Bush identified Access to government, justice and healthcare; Knowledge through vocational, digital and adult education; Wealth creation through waste conversion and poverty reduction; and Advancement through the revival of the Science Park and promotion of Information and Communication Technology.

Other components of the agenda include Industrialisation through the revival of industries and creation of employment opportunities; Business support for local entrepreneurs; Opportunities for youths at local and global levels; and Manpower development through advanced training to improve citizens' productivity.

The LP candidate also pledged to ensure full autonomy for local governments, the judiciary and legislature, alongside transparent procurement processes and measures to tackle corruption.

He further promised 24-hour electricity and water supply, describing them as essential requirements for economic growth and improved living conditions.

Bush also outlined what he called “sweet capsules” of his proposed administration, which include a total overhaul of the educational and healthcare systems, reforms in pension and gratuity payments, and expanded employment and economic opportunities for graduates.

Other areas highlighted were affordable housing, community-based security, poverty reduction, food security, industrialisation, affordable electricity and environmental sanitation.

He assured that, if elected governor in 2027, his administration would pursue policies that place the people at the centre of governance, with visible and measurable results across the state.

The press conference was attended by journalists, media stakeholders, political supporters and members of the public.

2027: Egede pledges grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu, Otu, APC candidates

Emem Julius, Calabar

The National Director of Strategic Deployment and Implementation of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, Mr Shedrach Innocent Egede, has reaffirmed his commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress.

Egede stated this after mobilising over 5,000 supporters to the APC presidential rally held on Monday in Calabar, Cross River State.

He said the impressive turnout underscored his growing grassroots mobilisation efforts and commitment to strengthening the APC's political base across the state.

As National Director of Strategic Deployment and Implementation of RTFN, Egede said he was working to fulfil the mobilisation mandate entrusted to him by the organisation's Chief Founder, Mr Seyi Tinubu, and Director-General, Mr Bala Ahmed.

According to him, the organisation has set an ambitious target of galvanising over 10 million votes for President Tinubu in the January 16 presidential election.

He said, "To actualise this objective, myself and my team, particularly Relax Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria coordinators across Cross River State, would intensify grassroots mobilisation across the 196 political wards in the state."

Egede further said the mobilisation drive was designed to expand the organisation's support base, strengthen community-level structures and take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda directly to the people.

"For us, the mission goes beyond participation in rallies. It is about building a formidable grassroots network, consolidating support across communities and ensuring that the enthusiasm for President Tinubu, Governor Otu and the APC translates into tangible electoral gains," he said.

Egede reiterated his determination to contribute meaningfully to the collective efforts towards electoral victory for Tinubu, Otu and the APC in 2027.

"We will give our best to ensure massive victory in the forthcoming 2027 general election", he added.

SUBEB Opens Free Phone Line to Report Fraud, Warns Job Seekers Against Scams

 

By Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot

The Akwa Ibom State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has provided a free telephone line where members of the public can report cases of fraud, extortion and other dishonest practices involving the Board.

The Board has also warned people hoping to get jobs in its planned recruitment of 2,000 teachers not to give money to anyone promising to help them secure employment.

The SUBEB Chairman, Anietie Etuk, announced this while introducing the toll-free number 08000078232, which people can call to report suspicious activities and seek help.

He explained that getting a job with SUBEB is completely free and that nobody is expected to pay money to secure employment.

He therefore advised applicants to be careful of people who may approach them with promises of helping them get jobs in exchange for money.

The Chairman also said the free telephone line would help protect retired teachers from people who demand money before helping them process their retirement benefits, known as gratuities.

He revealed that the Board had discovered some people engaging in dishonest activities and that investigations were already ongoing. He added that steps were being taken to prevent such incidents from happening again.

As part of these efforts, the processing of retired teachers' gratuities has been moved to the office of the SUBEB Chairman to ensure closer supervision and reduce the chances of fraud.

Etuk encouraged retired teachers and members of the public to report anyone demanding illegal payments through the toll-free number.

He also disclosed that Governor Umo Eno had paid about ₦18.5 billion in outstanding gratuities owed to retired teachers from previous administrations.

According to him, the government is also preparing to begin paying pensions to teachers who retired in 2015, having already paid those who retired up to 2014.

He said it was important to protect the money meant for retired teachers from fraudsters who might want to cheat them out of their benefits.

Reacting to the announcement, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Nsibiet John, commended SUBEB for introducing the toll-free line.

He said the initiative would help people report wrongdoing without fear and improve public confidence in the Board.

John advised SUBEB to take the awareness campaign to churches and rural communities so that retired teachers and other residents, especially those who may not have access to regular information, would know about the free telephone line.

He also assured the Board that journalists would help publicise the number and educate the public on the need to avoid paying money to anyone promising jobs or assistance with gratuity payments.

Udoedehe Blows Hot on Umo Eno

 ...Says Bungalow Structures are not

Empowerment

...Questions ₦3trn revenue

...Challenges Governor on abandoned Ibom Hotels, oil wells, deteriorating roads

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, has launched a blistering attack on Governor Umo Eno's development priorities, declaring that the State has witnessed an unacceptable decline in infrastructure and economic advancement despite trillions of naira accruing to the present administration.

Akpanudoedehe, who accused the governor of prioritising debt repayment over economic empowerment and infrastructure development, challenged him to account for over ₦3 trillion allegedly accrued to the state government since the inception of his administration.

The former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, who spoke during the presentation of his party's 2027–2031 governorship manifesto on Monday, November 2 in Uyo, said Akwa Ibom had lost its reputation as a leading destination for development, arguing that the state was gradually settling for projects that lacked the scale and transformative impact expected of a government with enormous financial resources.

Taking particular exception to the administration's Compassionate Homes initiative and other bungalow-type structures, Akpanudoedehe questioned whether such projects represented the development priorities of a state government.

"When did we begin settling for bungalow projects? What exactly is a Compassionate Home? It is the kind of project that the wife of a local government chairman should be able to undertake?," he questioned.

He also queried the construction of model primary schools and health centres, insisting that such projects fundamentally fell within the responsibilities of local government councils.

The ADC candidate challenged Governor Eno to clarify whether the projects were being financed with state government resources or local government funds, arguing that the State should be pursuing more ambitious infrastructure and economic development programmes.

He further accused the administration of neglecting critical road infrastructure, citing the deplorable condition of roads in Uyo, particularly Itu Road, Church Road and adjoining areas, which he described as death traps.

According to him, the State capital has become a "headquarters of potholes", a situation he said was inconsistent with Akwa Ibom's previous record of infrastructure development.

Akpanudoedehe who recalled that successive administrations had undertaken projects that significantly altered the State's development landscape listed the Ibom International Airport, Ibom Le Meridien Hotel, Science Park, Ibom Power, dual carriageways and ring roads as some of the landmark initiatives of former Governor Victor Attah.

He also credited former Governor Godswill Akpabio with the Government House, E-Library, International Stadium and several road projects, while identifying the 10-lane ring road, 21-storey building, Ibom Air and International Worship Centre as major projects executed under former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He argued that the scale of those investments had established Akwa Ibom as a destination for major development projects, questioning why the present administration appeared to be lowering the State's development ambitions.

On revenue management, the ADC candidate faulted Governor Eno's public emphasis on clearing inherited debts, arguing that borrowing was not inherently detrimental to development when loans were invested in productive, people-centred projects.

He challenged the governor to explain why debt repayment appeared to command greater attention than investments capable of creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and empowering residents.

Akpanudoedehe also raised questions over the status of the disputed oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, demanding clarification on whether the state had lost any oil wells and the implications for its 13 per cent oil derivation revenue.

He further criticised the administration's reported position on direct government involvement in industrial development, insisting that even where government did not establish industries itself, it had a responsibility to create an enabling environment for private investment and job creation.

The ADC candidate particularly cited the continued closure of Ibom Hotels, formerly Le Meridien, alleging that over ₦25 billion had been budgeted for its renovation without the facility returning to operation.

He accused the administration of neglecting the hospitality asset while pursuing alternative accommodation projects, which he claimed could undermine employment and investment opportunities associated with the hotel.

He also expressed concern over complaints by contractors who, according to him, were struggling to repay bank loans because of delays in the approval and payment of executed projects.

Akpanudoedehe's criticisms formed part of his presentation of the ADC's 2027–2031 manifesto, tagged Rich Land, Poor People, which he said was designed to reposition Akwa Ibom from a consumption-driven economy to one anchored on productive investment, economic empowerment and shared prosperity.

He maintained that the state required a new development philosophy that prioritised the people as the principal beneficiaries of government resources rather than the proliferation of projects he considered insufficient to transform the economy.

No plans to sell Ibom Power Plant - Commissioner for Power

 

 ...Becomes 17th State to Establish Independent Electricity Market

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed any suggestion of plans to sell the Ibom Power Plant, reaffirming its commitment to retaining its equity in the State's power assets while positioning the facility as the anchor of its emerging electricity market.

The State Government also announced a major breakthrough in its electricity sector reforms, having become the 17th State in the Federation to obtain the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Transfer Order, Order No. NERC/2026/087, empowering it to establish and regulate its own intrastate electricity market through the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Regulatory Commission (AKSERC).

The development, made possible by the Electricity Act, 2023 (as amended), marks a significant step in the State's quest for greater control over electricity generation, distribution and regulation within its territory.

The Commissioner for Power, Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson, who disclosed this during a Ministerial Briefing on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Uyo, said the State was determined to consolidate its investments in the power sector rather than relinquish ownership of strategic assets.

He stressed that there was no plan to sell the Ibom Power Plant or surrender the State's equity in FourPower Consortium Limited and the proposed State Distribution Company.

According to him, Akwa Ibom occupies a unique position in Nigeria's electricity landscape as the only State among just two States that have owned grid-connected power plants since 1999. He explained that Ibom Power, alongside its associated gas supply infrastructure, remains central to the State's electricity development strategy.

Robson said the government's priority was to rehabilitate and strengthen the plant, while partnering with credible concessionaires under arrangements that would guarantee payment for electricity generated and ensure sustainable operations.

He described the acquisition of the NERC Transfer Order as a defining milestone, noting that it provides the legal and regulatory foundation for Akwa Ibom to develop an independent electricity market tailored to the needs of its residents, businesses and industries.

The Commissioner recalled that the foundation for the ongoing reforms was laid at the State Power Sector Summit held in September 2025 in Ikot Ekpene, where stakeholders deliberated on the future of electricity development in Akwa Ibom.

He said the summit informed the establishment of critical institutions and structures, including the incorporation of Ibom Electricity Holding Limited (IEHL), which holds the State's shares in power sector assets; the establishment of AKSERC, headed by Lady Arit Uya as Chairperson and Chief Executive; and the submission for approval of the administrative structure of the Akwa Ibom State Electricity Agency, designed to facilitate electricity access in off-grid communities.

He added that stakeholders from the 31 Local Government Areas were involved in the reform process, which was coordinated under the chairmanship of the Delivery Adviser, now Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson.

On the next phase of implementation, Robson expressed optimism that the Akwa Ibom Distribution Subsidiary would be incorporated before the end of 2026. He also disclosed that AKSERC would soon commence full regulatory operations, while the selection of partners for Ibom Power and the completion of transfers under the NERC Order would advance the commencement of the State's electricity market.

Beyond conventional power generation, the Commissioner said the government was also exploring solar energy as a complementary source of electricity, with plans to train young people in solar installation, operation and maintenance to expand access to clean and affordable energy, particularly for households and small businesses.

Acknowledging that reforms of such magnitude require time and sustained commitment, he appealed to residents to exercise patience as the government strengthens the institutional and operational framework for the new electricity market.

He urged citizens to protect public power infrastructure, report acts of vandalism and sabotage, and participate in the forthcoming AKSERC consultations on electricity tariffs, standards and other regulatory issues.

Responding to concerns about low voltage, transformer replacement and other electricity-related challenges, the Chairman and Chief Executive of AKSERC, Lady Arit Uya, advised residents to direct their complaints to the Commission or submit them through its official website for appropriate attention.

The Ministerial Briefing was attended by the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Akparawa James Edet; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr. Friday Ido; State Statistician-General, Mr. Uduak Isaac; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, among others.

Akwa Ibom Teacher Emerges 2nd runner-up at 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition

 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

A teacher from Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Ephraim Jacob Inyangudo, has emerged second runner-up at the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition.

Inyangudo, who teaches at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ediene, in Abak Local Government Area, clinched the position at the grand finale of the competition held on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Essien Umoh, was among dignitaries at the ceremony, where he commended the Akwa Ibom-born teacher for his dedication, resilience and commitment to shaping the next generation.

Umoh described the feat as a well-deserved recognition of Inyangudo’s contributions to education, noting that his emergence among the top three teachers in the country was a source of pride to the state.

The commissioner said the achievement was in line with the Umo Eno-led administration’s commitment to educational advancement and teachers’ welfare under the ARISE Agenda.

The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition is an initiative of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, aimed at recognising and celebrating outstanding teachers across Nigeria.

The 2026 edition was organised in partnership with Union Bank, Air Peace, Eko Hotels & Suites and Honda Manufacturing Nigeria Limited.

Akwa Ibom Unveils Christmas Unplugged 4.0

 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

The Akwa Ibom State Government is set to unveil the activities lined up for the 2026 edition of its annual Christmas celebration, Ibom Christmas Unplugged 4.0.

The unveiling is to be officially made known at a media briefing scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, in Uyo.

The event, organised by the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will provide an opportunity for the government to formally present the programme of activities and other exciting attractions planned for this year's Christmas festivities.

According to an invitation issued by the ministry, the media briefing and unveiling will take place at the IBOM LED E-Library, IBB Way, Uyo, by 10:00 a.m.

Governor Umo Eno, PhD, will serve as Chief Host, while the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Anieti Udofia, and the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah, are expected to be part of the engagement.

The briefing is expected to provide details of the vision, entertainment packages, cultural exhibitions, tourism attractions and other activities designed to make the 2026 edition memorable for residents, visitors and tourists.

The Ibom Christmas Unplugged initiative has become an important component of Akwa Ibom's efforts to promote its cultural heritage, showcase its tourism potential and position the state as a preferred destination for festive celebrations.

The fourth edition is expected to build on previous experiences by providing opportunities for cultural expression, entertainment, hospitality, tourism development and economic activities, particularly for businesses and operators within the creative and hospitality industries.

Beyond the celebration, the initiative aligns with the state government's broader efforts to harness tourism as a driver of economic growth, attract visitors and project Akwa Ibom's rich cultural identity to the outside world.

Media organisations, tourism stakeholders and members of the public are expected to follow the unveiling as the state prepares for another season of Christmas festivities under the Ibom Christmas Unplugged brand.